Occupational Overuse Syndrome, also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and repetitive motion disorders (RMDs), is a collective term covering a range of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or daily activities.
The syndrome is 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, or muscle fatigue.
Repetitive motion disorders occur most commonly in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, but can also happen in the neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles.
The disorders are characterised by pain, tingling, numbness, visible swelling or redness of the affected area, and the loss of flexibility and strength. For some individuals, there may be no visible sign of injury, although they may find it hard to perform easy tasks over time, repetitive motion disorders can cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body -- such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments - and compression of nerves or tissue.
Generally, repetitive motion disorders affect individuals who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work. The disorders may also affect individuals who engage in activities such as carpentry, gardening, and tennis.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for repetitive motion disorders usually includes reducing or stopping the motions that cause symptoms.
Options include taking breaks to give the affected area time to rest, and adopting stretching and relaxation exercises.
Applying ice to the affected area and using medications such as pain relievers, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and swelling.
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.
Some employers have developed ergonomic programs to help workers adjust their pace of work and arrange office equipment to minimize problems.
What is the prognosis?
Most individuals with repetitive motion disorders recover completely and can avoid re-injury by changing the way they perform repetitive movements, the frequency with which they perform them, and the amount of time they rest between movements.
Without treatment, repetitive motion disorders may result in permanent injury and complete loss of function in the affected area.
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