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Repetitive stress injuries of the arms (or RSI’s) are caused by
overuse. They vary in type and severity. Most are related to repetitive
activities at work or in sports. They may occur, for example, from using a
computer keyboard or from using hand tools. Normally, the body can recover
from one or two minor injuries. With repeated minor injuries, however, the
joints, tendons, and muscles don’t have time to recover. With time they
become inflamed and painful. Edema fluid accumulates in the injured area,
which causes swelling and tenderness.
Since athletes are prone to repetitive-use injuries, some of these
problems (like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow) are named after sports. The
same injuries can occur in non-athletes. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
both commonly result from work injuries. Some spine problems can also be
caused by overuse. Neck pain, which results from cradling the telephone on
the shoulder, is one example. Back pain from prolonged sitting is another.
Rest, or changes in the way you work or play, may fix these problems.
An ergonomist can help rearrange your workstations to make injury less
likely. If that doesn’t end the pain, medical care may be needed. An
accurate diagnosis is essential. EMG studies, for example, may be needed
to exclude problems such as the carpal tunnel syndrome.
For repetitive stress injuries that don’t improve with rest,
nonsteroidal medications and physical therapy can help.
Pain blocks may be
needed. If symptoms persist, surgery may be helpful.
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