Sit up straight and ease the pain of the daily grind
Fight the symptoms of repetitive strain injury with a change in posture
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is normally associated with the workplace but it can also affect people who play golf and tennis regularly.
The repetitive action can cause painful symptoms to fingers, hands and the upper limbs, including the elbows and neck.
If there are any symptoms, including painful, tingling or swollen hands, elbows, wrists or shoulders, it's important to get treatment quickly.
The sooner treatment is started the better the chances of recovery.
- Type 1 RSI includes conditions caused by repetitive tasks but can also occur in people who don't carry out repetitive tasks.
The main symptoms tend to be swelling and inflammation of muscles and tendons. Typical type 1 RSI conditions include carpal- tunnel syndrome (pressure in the wrist), tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon), and tenosynovitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath).
- Type 2 RSI is when a person's symptoms do not fit into one of the above-listed conditions. This is usually because there is no obvious inflammation or swelling in the affected area, merely a feeling of pain. This type is often called non-specific pain syndrome.
Causes of RSI include awkward posture, poorly organised workstations, badly designed equipment, or lack of rest breaks. Stress may also be a contributing factor.
To prevent the development of RSI, or relieve your symptoms, you need to review particular aspects of your lifestyle.
If you work at a computer all day, make sure your seat, keyboard, mouse, and screen are positioned so that they cause you the least amount of strain, and that you sit at your desk with a good posture.
Speak to your employer if there is anything relating to your working environment that you feel could be improved. It is in their interest to ensure they do everything possible to help prevent or ease your RSI.
