Repetitive Stress Injury

REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY

A Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) occurs when the same motion is repeated over and over again, for a long period of time. Swinging a tennis racket, playing many consecutive games of corn hole or non-stop typing or texting can cause pain and irritation to your fingers, thumbs, hands, elbow, neck or shoulder. This repetitive motion causes inflammation to the ligaments and tendons of your joints resulting in swelling, and loss of muscle strength.

Common Repetitive Stress Injuries include Tendinitis, Bursitis, Trigger Finger, Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), is one of the most common “over use” injuries which causes pain, tingling, and swelling in your hand because of pressure on the nerve in your wrist.

SYMPTOMS OF A REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY

• You have pain and swelling in your fingers, thumb, hand or arm
• Your fingers or thumb may tingle or feel numb
• Your hands or forearms feel stiff or weak

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

At first, you may only notice the symptoms when you are doing a certain activity and your symptoms may improve or go away when you stop. Since RSIs can worsen over time, it is important to seek treatment from your health care provider when your symptoms are mild. Rest, ice elevation may be prescribed for your injury. Splints and braces that support the fingers, hands, wrist or arm can also help.

SPLINTS AND BRACES THAT CAN HELP