 Repetitive Strain Injuries and Solutions
                   What are Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, also called cumulative trauma disorders, are injuries, as the name implies, typically caused by prolonged, repetitive, use of  the arms, wrist , hands, elbows, back. shoulders  or neck.
Repetitive strain injuries include, carpal tunnel syndrome, deQuervain's tenosynovitis, tendonitis, lateral and medial epicondylitis, ( tennis and golfers elbow), trigger finger, etc.
                   Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries
                 Causes of Repetitive Strain Injuries.
Strong, repetitive pinch and grasp, especially with the hands in awkward positions, and Â
other repetitive movements
Holding the same posture for a prolonged period of time
Infrequent or insufficient rest periods.
Excessive force used when performing tasks
Poor posture during tasks
Poor work station set up.
There are also many underlying  causative factors, including, but not limited to, diabetes, arthritis, previous fractures or injuries, and even pregnancy.
                      Repetitive Strain Injury Solutions
What should you do for a solution to repetitive strain injuries?  First, stop performing the activities that you suspect are causing your pain. Then, see your Dr. There are relatively simple solutions for repetitive strain injuries.  But these injuries can be very serious, and can cause permanent disability.  So the faster you recognize the problem and get treatment, the better the outcome.Â
Usually, an orthopedic wrist brace is recommended.  An orthopedic wrist brace will keep the wrist straight, and relatively immobile, its primary function as a repetitive strain injury solution. Use of an orthopedic wrist brace also helps keep the hands and wrist out of awkward positions while using the wrist and hands.Â
Applying ice to the affected area, is also a common treatment, typically 20 minutes at a time, as much as every 2 -3 hours if desired, during the day, (never sleep with an ice pack!) Also, over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs are used. But let your Dr. tell you what to take. The Dr. may want to give an injection, or something stronger than the over the counter medication.
These are the basic repetitive strain injury solutions, or medical treatments.  Other solutions for repetitive strain injuries include addressing the causes of the problem. There are usually ways to modify the activities that cause pain, including taking more frequent rest breaks, reducing repetitive pinch and grasp, modifying your work station, improving your posture, etc. Also, using only the necessary amount of force required to perform and complete a task.
Marc Bennett MS OTR/L
President and owner of M. H. Bennett Inc.
www.thehelpfulhand.com
.Â
                   What are Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, also called cumulative trauma disorders, are injuries, as the name implies, typically caused by prolonged, repetitive, use of  the arms, wrist , hands, elbows, back. shoulders  or neck.
Repetitive strain injuries include, carpal tunnel syndrome, deQuervain's tenosynovitis, tendonitis, lateral and medial epicondylitis, ( tennis and golfers elbow), trigger finger, etc.
                   Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Numbness
- Tingling or pins and needles feeling
- Loss of sensation
- Poor coordination
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Poor endurance
- Dropping things
- Pain at night
                 Causes of Repetitive Strain Injuries.
Strong, repetitive pinch and grasp, especially with the hands in awkward positions, and Â
other repetitive movements
Holding the same posture for a prolonged period of time
Infrequent or insufficient rest periods.
Excessive force used when performing tasks
Poor posture during tasks
Poor work station set up.
There are also many underlying  causative factors, including, but not limited to, diabetes, arthritis, previous fractures or injuries, and even pregnancy.
                      Repetitive Strain Injury Solutions
What should you do for a solution to repetitive strain injuries?  First, stop performing the activities that you suspect are causing your pain. Then, see your Dr. There are relatively simple solutions for repetitive strain injuries.  But these injuries can be very serious, and can cause permanent disability.  So the faster you recognize the problem and get treatment, the better the outcome.Â
Usually, an orthopedic wrist brace is recommended.  An orthopedic wrist brace will keep the wrist straight, and relatively immobile, its primary function as a repetitive strain injury solution. Use of an orthopedic wrist brace also helps keep the hands and wrist out of awkward positions while using the wrist and hands.Â
Applying ice to the affected area, is also a common treatment, typically 20 minutes at a time, as much as every 2 -3 hours if desired, during the day, (never sleep with an ice pack!) Also, over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs are used. But let your Dr. tell you what to take. The Dr. may want to give an injection, or something stronger than the over the counter medication.
These are the basic repetitive strain injury solutions, or medical treatments.  Other solutions for repetitive strain injuries include addressing the causes of the problem. There are usually ways to modify the activities that cause pain, including taking more frequent rest breaks, reducing repetitive pinch and grasp, modifying your work station, improving your posture, etc. Also, using only the necessary amount of force required to perform and complete a task.
Marc Bennett MS OTR/L
President and owner of M. H. Bennett Inc.
www.thehelpfulhand.com
.Â
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