College Central®

Ask around. The Network works.®

Health
How To Avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries

Robert Fogarty -- Also referred to as overuse injuries, repetitive strain injury can be difficult to diagnose and includes carpal tunnel syndrome and other similar disorders that affect soft tissues, tendons, and nerves. Causes range from excessive computer use to playing musical instruments to athletics and can affect various parts of the body.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) can be defined as the condition that is the result of over-usage of a supportive system by performing a variety of tasks that require the use of the joint in a limited way for an extended period of time. Most of the people are not even aware that they are suffering with RSI.

There are a number of agencies and firms that familiarize people with the risks involved with RSI and how to overcome it. There is a saying that "prevention is better than cure". Workers should be educated about RSI and provided with necessary suggestions to prevent it. Shoulder surgeons from across different countries of the world are doing their best to provide effective treatment options to the people suffering with RSI. RSI cannot be considered as a specific diagnosis. It can be treated as a family of disorders and conditions.

Factors that result in repetitive strain injury

There are a number of factors that result in a repetitive strain injury. Poor postures may sometimes be the primary cause of RSI. Clicking on the mouse hundreds of times may result in neck and arm strain. Construction workers who have to perform the same tasks over and over and athletes who perform the same tasks over and over like a catcher in baseball who has to kneel and arise and the particularly the pitcher who has to throw baseballs with great force over and over. In this way, repetitive strain injuries can spread on different parts of the body. Sometimes, the problem of RSI is so severe that the person suffering from it might experience lot of pain and discomfort in different parts of the body.

Who is affected by RSI?

There are basically three reasons for RSI that include overuse, poor technique and posture. According to [http://fxrxinc.com/] experienced shoulder surgeons, all these three things increase the risk factor. People who use computers for long hours are more likely to suffer from repetitive strain injuries. Below is a list that shows what kinds of people are affected by RSI.

-- Those who have poor lifting techniques and posture
-- People who don't take frequent breaks have more chances of an RSI
-- People who don't sleep on time and lack sleep
-- People who don't exercise on a regular basis
-- Those carrying extra weight which puts a strain on the supporting structures of the body

Symptoms of repetitive strain injury

The primary symptom of RSI is that the person will feel pain in the extremities of the body that include - forearms, palms, elbows, fingers and shoulders. Sometimes, the pain may be shooting and aching. After long sessions of work, the pain becomes even worse.

Tips to avoid repetitive strain injury

In order to avoid repetitive strain injury, individuals can follow some practical tips. Below is the list of tips that help individuals in avoiding RSI.

-- Position equipment properly
-- Make use of safety equipment
-- Maintain a good posture
-- Take regular breaks in between to relieve the strain on the overused joint

All the above tips are suggested by some of the most reputable shoulder surgeons in the world. Hence, by following the above tips to prevent RSI one can lead a healthy life.

Source: Ezinearticles.com

To learn more, or for more resources, visit Shoulder Surgeons Phoenix.

© 2014 Robert Fogarty

Return to top

The views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.