Repetitive strain injury is an umbrella term that covers various conditions. These may affect the muscle, tendon or nerve and are also known as occupational overuse syndrome.

An RSI can affect any part of the body which is overused repeatedly. The result starts as slight pain or aching after use. There may also be some numbness or tingling and later swelling. The injury can come and go but may turn into a permanently painful condition, inhibiting movement and stopping work. The act which is causing the problem will be the first to be affected but eventually the sufferer will find quality of life badly compromised.

The term RSI can cover various conditions which relate to certain parts of the body. For example, tendonitis, caused by inflammation of overused tendons, can affect the hip and shoulder. Carpel tunnel syndrome, affecting the nerve running to the hand through the carpel tunnel will affect the fingers and hand. RSI covers anything produced by such repetitive action.

Many workers suffer from RSIs. A man operating a pneumatic drill, for example, may find that the thousands of movements to the arms, caused by the vibrations of the equipment, result in pain and restricted movement to the arms.

One increasingly common area of concern is around the use of computers and in particular the keyboard and mouse. Many secretaries and others who spent a lot of time typing, complain of tingling and then pain in the wrists and fingers. Simply resting the wrist on a mouse mat and making small movements of the mouse can cause the injury over time.

Due to nature of cause of the condition, it tends to affect working people as they move on in age.

Although sometimes found to be non-specific, RSIs can also include rotator cuff inflammation and writer’s cramp. A consultation with an Orthopedic doctor can prove beneficial in determining a treatment and pain management plan.