How to Identify RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), sometimes called Repetitive Stress Injury, is an informal name used to describe several overuse injuries that may affect joints, muscles, tendons and/or nerves. Tendonitis, carpel tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow are just a few examples. Additionally, there is disagreement in the medical industry as to how to identify RSI and what causes the condition, as a standard test is unavailable. However, a couple of things about RSI are agreed upon. It is best to take measures to learn about and prevent RSI and the earlier it is diagnosed the better. These tips may help you better identify RSI symptoms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Schedule a consultation with a specialist if you have symptoms of RSI and do not improve under the care of your regular physician. Some places to find specialists or a recommendation include The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, other clinics focusing on occupational therapy or environmental medicine, orthopedic physicians, and in some cases, pain clinics.
2. Prepare to undergo a number of tests to identify RSI unless the cause is somewhat obvious, but even then other conditions may need to be ruled out. If you or your doctor can associate RSI with a particular activity this should reduce the time needed for diagnosis and treatment.
3. Identify RSI early by recognizing changes in a body part (joint or extremity) that are bothersome but not necessarily painful. Severe damage tends to occur prior to severe pain in RSI and severe pain can occur with minor injury. Some RSI signs and symptoms to look for include numbness, coldness, tingling and/or reduced sensitivity to touch. Weakness and recurrent pain are common RSI symptoms but these may result from a variety of conditions or injuries.
4. Look for other RSI symptoms such as swelling or tenderness in a joint when constant repetition of an activity occurs. RSI is not limited to occupational activities such as assembly work or continual computer use. Some forms of RSI occur with recreational activities such as game consoles, golf and guitar playing, for example.
5. Consider your lifestyle when trying to identify RSI and which type of physician can help you most. Obviously any activity that aggravates the symptoms should be stopped until further investigation, but also note your posture, level of fitness and stress levels. Any of these factors can further aggravate RSI or be partly responsible. Though this is not to say RSI is your fault or in your head, a claim that some RSI patients endure prior to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• If your doctor does identify RSI consider a support group for longstanding or severe symptoms.
• As RSI is not easily diagnosed and treated, you may find a second opinion useful.
• Information is for consumer use only and not intended to replace medical advice.