Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is also known as occupational overuse syndrome or work related upper limb disorder. It results from the overuse of a tool i.e. computer keyboard, guitar, factory machinery and construction work tools. Repetitive strain injury, RSI, is most commonly seen in assembly line workers and computer workers.

If you work in an environment that requires repeated movements then you could be at risk of developing repetitive strain injury, RSI. Repetitive strain injury can affect your muscles, tendons and nerves in your hands, arms and back. There are many different types of repetitive strain injury, the most common being carpel tunnel syndrome. It is however best to treat repetitive strain injury as one injury instead of trying to treat it as separate ones.

Some of the common repetitive strain injuries are:

Some of the most common symptoms of repetitive strain injury are recurring pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back and wrists/hands as well as tingling, numbness, coldness and a loss of sensation. You may also suffer with a loss of grip/strength and a sense of weakness as well as the muscles in your arms/shoulders feeling hard.

In 2006 it was said that half a million people suffered from some form of repetitive strain injury. The intensive use of keyboards and other technology as well as posture related health problems are ever growing due to the nature of jobs.

Repetitive strain injury can be treated through pain killers, heat/cold packs and the use of supports or splints. These treatments aim to help pain and to enable strength and mobility to return.

There are certain steps that you can take in order to help prevent repetitive strain injury such as taking regular breaks and having equipment set up correctly. If you feel that more could be done in your work place to help prevent repetitive strain injury then it is important that you speak to your employer about your concerns and find ways in which the workplace can be changed to make it better.

Although repetitive strain injury is not life threatening it has the potential to be extremely painful and could result in disability. If you would like more information about repetitive strain injury then get in touch with Accident Consult today.

Here at Accident we are experts in personal injury compensation claims. If you have suffered from repetitive strain injury in the last three years due to someone else's negligence then you could be entitled to compensation. This compensation would be awarded to cover aspects such as your pain and suffering, any medical expenses and any loss of earnings that you would suffer due to being out of work while recovering.