Repetitive Strain Injury is the name given to a group of conditions caused by placing too much stress on a muscle, tendon or other soft tissue.
It is mainly caused by repetitive use of an area of the body. It is usually connected to a job, but leisure activities can also be a cause.
RSI symptoms persist for a longer amount of time than an ordinary strain caused by a sudden injury.
When stress occurs repeatedly over time, the body’s joints don’t have time to recover and the joints, and surrounding tendons and muscles, become irritated and inflamed.
Anyone who overuses their muscles, in their arms and hands especially, may develop RSI.
The biggest cause is working with a computer, for example through typing or constant use of the mouse. Other factors to consider are poor posture and not taking enough breaks.
It is important to have a rest every so often, and to sit in a comfortable position. However, sitting in the same position for a long period of time can cause some damage.
The environment in which you work can also be a factor. Cold or hot temperatures, dim lighting, shadow or glare which forces you to shift position to see clearly, can all cause problems.
Sport can also play a part in causing repetitive strain injury. Tennis is the most common example, as it is the same repeated action that makes up the majority of the game.
All the stress and work is put on one part of the body.
However, something as simple as wearing the wrong shoes can also be a problem, as it can lead to foot and ankle problems.
Mobile phones can also have an influence. Typing text messages is a repetitive action which could cause a strain on the hand, whereas holding a phone in one position while on a call, especially resting it between the shoulder and chin to leave the hands free, could put a strain on the upper arms.
In most cases, symptoms develop in an arm, wrist or hand as these are the parts of the body used most.
The most common form of RSI is writer’s cramp. Recently, the people most affected have been typists, musicians and people who work in places where repetitive tasks are standard, such as supermarket till operators. DIY fanatics and sport enthusiasts are also likely to develop the complaint.
Symptoms can include pain, tightness, dull ache, throbbing, numbness or tingling in the injured area. They tend to develop gradually and at first only occur when the task is being carried out, and then they fade away as you rest.
Over time, the symptoms can be present all the time, but are made worse through the activity.
The exact reason why RSI develops isn’t clear.
In many cases there is no swelling, inflammation or other obvious signs which occur in the muscles, but still symptoms develop.
It is also unclear why some people are susceptible to repetitive strain injury, and others who take part in the same tasks aren’t affected.
