RSI symptoms
Which areas of the body are affected with RSI?
Symptoms depend on what the repetitive actions are. In most cases the symptoms develop in an arm, wrist or hand as these parts of the body most commonly do repetitive tasks. Perhaps the most famous RSI condition is 'writers cramp'. In recent years it is computer operators, typists, musicians and people doing repetitive tasks in factories who most commonly develop RSI. People who do a lot of DIY around the house may develop RSI, or people who do certain sports which involve repetitive movements.
What are the symptoms of repetitive strain injury?
Symptoms can include: pain, tightness, dull ache, throbbing, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. The symptoms tend to develop gradually. At first the symptoms may only occur whilst you do the repetitive task and ease off when you rest. In time the symptoms can be present all the time, but tend to be made worse by doing the repetitive task. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Some people divide RSI into two main categories - Type 1 RSI and Type 2 RSI.
- Type 1 RSI includes well defined syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome (pain and compression in the wrist), tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon), tenosynovitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath), frozen shoulder, etc. (See separate leaflets for each of these conditions.) These conditions may be due to, or be made worse by, repetitive tasks. However, these syndromes are also common in people who have not done repetitive tasks. These syndromes may have other symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, nerve compression problems, etc.
- Type 2 RSI is where symptoms do not fit into a well defined syndrome. Also, there are no 'objective' or 'measurable' signs such as inflammation, swelling or problems with nerve function. It is sometimes called 'diffuse RSI' or 'non-specific pain syndrome'.
How is repetitive strain injury diagnosed?
There is no test or objective way that can confirm the diagnosis of RSI. This is where difficulties may arise. Pains in the areas affected by RSI are common and can be due to various causes. Often the diagnosis is made on the basis that the condition developed only following a repetitive task, and is relieved or partially relieved by rest from that task. If you develop a 'well defined' condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, etc, it may or may not be related to repetitive tasks.
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craig, about 1 year
The Puk computer wrist rest is getting great feedback on ebay to help alleviate pain worth a try at on £4.49 http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=puk
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Jan Dixon, about 1 year
I am an administrator, I spend most of the day at the computer, I have noticed recently that I have a pain in my shoulder blade and it can sometimes be breathtaking, I now find my right arm is very heavy at times that I 'do not know what to do with it', my neck is stiff causing looking down to be restricted. The pain wakes me in the night, it does ease off at weekends - could this be a cause of RSI?
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