What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries include a large group of conditions that primarily affect the soft tissues, including the nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries are a family of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or daily activities. Repetitive stress injuries are also called:

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Repetitive motion disorders

Overuse Syndromes

Repetitive stress injuries can include:

carpal tunnel syndrome

bursitis

tendinitis / tendonitis

epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

ganglion cyst

tenosynovitis

trigger finger

What Causes Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries are caused by:

too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion

unnatural or awkward motions such as twisting the arm or wrist

overexertion

incorrect posture

muscle fatigue

Where Do Repetitive Stress Injuries Occur?

Repetitive stress injuries occur most commonly in the:

hands

fingers

thumbs

wrists

elbows

shoulders

Repetitive stress injuries can also happen in:

neck

back

hips

knees

feet

legs

ankles

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries are often characterized by:

pain

tingling

numbness

visible swelling or redness of the affected area

loss of flexibility and strength of the affected area

For some individuals, there may be no visible sign of injury, although they may find it hard to perform easy tasks.

Over time, repetitive stress injuries can cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body such as the:

muscles

nerves

tendons

ligaments

Repetitive stress injuries can also cause compression of nerves or tissue.

Who Is Affected Most By Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Generally, repetitive stress injuries affect individuals who perform repetitive tasks such as:

assembly line work

meatpacking

sewing

playing musical instruments

computer work

Repetitive stress injuries may also affect individuals who engage in activities such as:

carpentry

gardening

tennis

What Are The Treatment Options For Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Treatment for repetitive stress injuries usually includes reducing or stopping the motions that cause symptoms.

Repetitive stress injury treatment options can also include:

• taking breaks to give the affected area time to rest
• adopting stretching and relaxation exercises
• applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling
• using medications such as:
  • pain relievers
  • corticosteriods
  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• splints may be able to relieve pressure on the muscles and nerves
• physical therapy may relieve the soreness and pain in the muscles and joints
• In rare cases, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage.

What Is Being Done To Help Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Some employers have developed ergonomic programs to help workers adjust their pace of work and arrange office equipment to minimize problems.

What Research Is Being Done For Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Much of the on-going research on repetitive stress injuries is aimed at prevention and rehabilitation. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) funds research on repetitive stress injuries.

What Is The Prognosis For Repetitive Stress Injuries?

Most individuals with repetitive stress injuries recover completely and can avoid re-injury by:

changing the way they perform repetitive movements

changing the frequency with which they perform them

changing the amount of time they rest between movements.

Without treatment, repetitive stress injuries may result in permanent injury and complete loss of function in the affected area.

Related Resources

Where Does it Hurt?

Joint Pain

Joint Protection Techniques

_{Source: NINDS Repetitive Motion Disorders Information Page}