Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?
Repetitive stress/strain injuries (RSIs) result from repetitive movements, forceful exertions, awkward postures, or prolonged exposure to vibrations. These injuries typically affect the musculoskeletal system and are common among people who engage in repetitive motions, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or using power tools. You can read about soft tissue injuries here.
The most common types of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and tendinitis. RSIs can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness in the area, and if left untreated, they can lead to permanent damage.
Preventive measures such as taking breaks, using ergonomic equipment, and practicing proper posture can help reduce the risk of developing RSIs.
What Causes Repetitive Stress Injuries In Sports?
RSIs are, unfortunately, all too common in sports and can be caused by various factors. One of the most common culprits is overuse, which can occur when an athlete engages in the same activity or motion repeatedly without giving their body enough time to rest and recover. This can lead to microtrauma in the affected area, eventually developing into a more serious injury.
Other potential causes of repetitive strain injuries in sports include poor technique or form, inadequate warm-up or stretching, and even the equipment or playing surface. For example, running on hard pavement can stress the feet and legs more than on a softer surface like grass or dirt.
Of course, the risk of repetitive strain njuries can also vary depending on the sport in question. Certain activities, like baseball pitching or gymnastics, involve a lot of repetitive motions and may therefore be more likely to lead to injuries.
By prioritising injury prevention, athletes can perform at their best and avoid the pain and frustration of repetitive strain injuries.
Causes Of Repetitive Strain Injury
Several risk factors can contribute to the development of RSIs, including:
- Poor posture: Sustained or awkward positions, especially if it involves hunching over or slouching, can put a lot of strain on the muscles and tendons in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Overuse: Overuse injuries, typing or using a mouse, can strain the muscles and tendons in the hands, wrists, and forearms.
- Incorrect technique: Using improper technique during sports or other physical activities can lead to RSIs. For example, a golfer with poor swing mechanics can develop golf elbow, a type of RSI that affects the tendons in the elbow.
- Lack of breaks: Frequent breaks during repetitive activities can help prevent RSIs. Failing to take breaks can lead to fatigue and strain on the muscles and tendons.
Repetitive Motion Injuries Examples
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: A repetitive stress injury condition that affects the nerves in the hand and wrist, often caused by repetitive tasks such as typing or using a mouse.
- Tennis elbow: A repetitive strain injury that affects the tendons in the elbow, often caused by repetitive tasks such as playing tennis or using hand tools.
- Runner’s knee: A repetitive strain injury that affects the knee joint, often caused by the repetitive task of running or jumping.
- Plantar fasciitis: A repetitive strain injury that affects the tissue on the bottom of the foot, often caused by repetitive activities such as running or standing for long periods of time.
Who Gets Repetitive Stress Injuries?
RSI’s can affect anyone who performs repetitive motions for extended periods, such as computer users, assembly line workers, and musicians. Athletes and people that play sports can suffer other limb injuries, including shin splits. Click here to read about relieving shin splints in athletes.
These injuries develop gradually and can affect the body’s tendons, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. People who engage in activities that require forceful or awkward movements or involve prolonged static postures are at higher risk of developing RSI’s.
Other factors that can contribute to the development of these injuries include poor posture, inadequate rest breaks, and defective ergonomic equipment. Early recognition and treatment of symptoms are critical in preventing further damage to repetitive strain injuries.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Repetitive Stress Injuries?
Repetitive Strain Injury Signs
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a type of injury that results from repeated movements, usually involving the hands, wrists, arms, or shoulders. The signs and symptoms of RSI can vary depending on the area and the severity of the injury.
However, common signs of RSI include pain or tenderness in the affected area, stiffness, weakness, or loss of sensation. Other symptoms may include tingling or numbness, swelling or redness, and fatigue or weakness.
In more severe cases, repetitive strain injury (RSI) can lead to chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty performing everyday activities. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent the progression of the injury.
How Are Repetitive Stress Injuries Treated?
In addition to medication, non-medication therapies such as physical therapy, ergonomic modifications, and lifestyle changes can help manage repetitive strain injury (RSI) symptoms. Physical therapy can help improve the area’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
Ergonomic modifications, such as adjusting your workstation or using ergonomic tools, can help reduce strain and prevent further injury. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management techniques, and proper rest and sleep can also aid recovery. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend a treatment plan best suits your needs and condition.
Repetitive Strain Injury Medication
Treating a repetitive strain injury (RSI) typically involves a combination of medication and non-medication therapies. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation associated with repetitive strain injuries RSI). However, following the recommended dosage and talking to your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions, is important.
Physiotherapy For RSI
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for restoring movement and function in the affected body area. It is recommended to keep moving as much as possible, and a physiotherapist can help achieve this with minimal pain. They may also offer pain management therapies such as TENS machines and ultrasound therapy.
Steroid Injections For RSI
A GP may offer steroid injections for RSI in severe pain where other treatments are ineffective. These injections can reduce inflammation in the joint, easing pain and allowing for better movement.
Surgery For RSI
Surgery is not typically necessary for RSI but may be considered for underlying conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If a GP suspects an underlying condition, they may refer the patient to a specialist surgeon for further evaluation.
How Are Repetitive Stress Injuries Diagnosed?
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. During the physical exam, the healthcare provider will look for signs of inflammation, swelling, tenderness, and range of motion limitations in the area. They may also perform specific tests to evaluate nerve function, muscle strength, and joint stability.
Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be used to help diagnose RSI and rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. However, diagnostic imaging tests are not always necessary to diagnose RSI.
It is important to provide your healthcare provider with a complete medical history and a description of the tasks or activities that you perform that may have caused or contributed to the development of your RSI symptoms. This information can help your provider make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan to manage your symptoms and prevent further injury.
Prevention
RSIs can be prevented by practising good posture, using proper technique, taking frequent breaks, and incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine. If you experience RSI symptoms, seeking medical attention early to prevent further damage and ensure proper treatment is important.
Training in first aid is important for treating repetitive strain injuries (RSI) because it allows individuals to provide immediate assistance in an emergency. With proper first aid training, one can recognise the symptoms of RSI and take appropriate action to prevent the injury from worsening. This can include techniques to reduce pain and swelling, such as applying ice and supporting the affected area.
