Could You Have a Repetitive Strain Injury?

The work pattern of computer professionals carries a lot of orthopedic disorders. The chief complaint is constant pain in the upper limbs, neck, shoulders, and back. Upper limb disorders (also called RSI, or tenosynovitis) are the most worse as they may rapidly lead to permanent incapacity. Repetitive strain injury occurs when the movable parts of the limbs are injured. Most of the times, the victims of this injury are computer professionals, musicians, students, and others who have to use their hands regularly in a repetitive manner. Some of the most common symptoms to looks for are constant pain in the hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, and the back. Other symptoms may also present such as cramps, tingling, and numbness in the hands. The hand movements of the user may become clumsy and the person may find it difficult even to fasten buttons. Another variant may produce painful symptoms in the upper limbs, but the site may be difficult to locate. The common diagnoses seen in this group are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tenosynovitis, Bursitis, White Limb, and Shoulder pain. A major cause is strain due to long unbroken periods of work such as that often seen with computer users. Ergonomics or the lack there of plays a very important role. Lack of information about the condition leads to neglect by the concerned individuals. Concerned individuals should seek the attention of a physician is any of these early symptoms set in.