Repetitive Stress Injuries

"Repetitive stress injury" refers to a group of disorders that can occur at any joint in the body when constant repetition of the same movement injures the muscles, tendons and joints in the area being used. Damage that is minor at the start can become quite painful and even result in permanent damage if the repetitive motion continues without treatment.

Definition

• Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) occur when one part of the body is subjected to the same recurring movement. When the same motion is frequently repeated, stress occurs because the joints, tendons and muscles don't have time to relax and recover. The result is inflammation, strain and possible tissue damage. According to doctors at the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, "RSIs include more than 100 different kinds of injuries and illnesses resulting from repetitive wear and tear on the body." RSIs are most commonly found in the wrists, elbows, shoulders and hands, but they can happen from the neck through the back and down to the knees, ankles and feet.

Labels

• RSIs are known by other names. If the injury is caused by sports it may be called an overuse injury. Other common labels are repetitive motion disorder, cumulative trauma disorder, and repetitive strain injury. There is some disagreement about the use of the diagnostic label "repetitive stress injury," because it is a general label that is not diagnostically specific. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand issued a position statement saying that terms like tendinitis are "more definable and diagnosable."

Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, virtually any activity that involves repetitive motion and is frequently performed can result in inflammation. This includes hitting a tennis ball and other sports movements, playing a musical instrument, using the computer, playing video games, carpentry, gardening or any awkward motions such as twisting the arm or incorrect posture. RSIs are frequently caused by repetitive tasks on the job such as assembly-line work or even cutting hair.

Types

• Bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that help cushion the joints, is associated with heavy backpacks and injuries to the knee or shoulder. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves swelling of a small area of the wrist and is caused by over-bending the wrist while typing or playing video games. Tennis elbow is pain and swelling in the elbow. Tendinitis is a general inflammation of the tendons from repetitive overstretching of the muscle.

Symptoms

• This broad group of disorders presents with symptoms that include tingling, numbness, swelling, pain and loss of strength or flexibility.

Treatment

• Treatment begins with resting the area to allow the inflammation to go down and the tissues to heal. Depending on the joint affected, a splint may be used to restrict mobility. Anti-inflammatory pain medications (Motrin, Advil, Tylenol) will help. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids. Once the swelling is gone physical therapy may be necessary to regain strength and flexibility without causing more damage.

Prevention

• Two keys to preventing RSIs are to avoid long-term repetition and follow ergonomic principles. If you have to repeat the same activity, then take breaks. Give the muscles a rest and stretch out the area. Ergonomics refers to making sure that the equipment you use is positioned so that your body is in a comfortable, natural position. For example, computer equipment should be situated so that you use the correct typing position and you're sitting properly with feet flat on the floor and a straight back.