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Repetitive Strain Injury

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Repetitive Strain Injury Agricultural Health and Safety Fact Sheet AHS-06 REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY Jill Webster Ph.D., Mark Gonzalez, Graduate Assistant Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Repetitive Strain Injury is a serious This leads to a compression of the nerve that condition that is painful and often debilitating. provides the wrist with the majority of its Also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder, feeling. The end result is sharp needle-like pain RSI occurs from physical movements that are in the wrist and hands. This is common for repeated with a high rate of frequency. These people who work extensively with computers. repetitive motions damage the soft body tissues Tennis Elbow - This is an inflamation of (tendons, cartilage, nerves, ligaments, and the tendons that attach the muscles of the muscles) that are involved in producing the forearm to the elbow. motion. RSI is not a condition that is age specific Tendinitis - Like Tennis Elbow, affecting young people who are considered to be tendinitis is an inflamation of a tendon most in good physical health. The good news is that frequently occurring in the shoulder, elbow, RSI is much easier to prevent than to cure once it forearm, or wrist. has developed. Trigger Finger - This is a swelling of the For the successful prevention of RSI, it is sheath surrounding the tendon in the finger or important to be educated about the following: thumb. The effect can be a finger locked in a 1. Common ailments that result from RSI. bent position or pain, cracking, or popping when 2. Activities and factors that put you at risk the fingers are bent. of developing RSI. 3. Symptoms of RSI. Risk Factors and Activities 4. Changes that can be made both at home C Awkward and static postures - i.e., and at work that will reduce your standing, sitting, and reaching for long likelihood of developing RSI. periods. C Repetition of movements/Vibration - i.e., Common RSI Ailments performing a single task continuously, Bursitis - Bursitis is the inflamation of work, working with a chainsaw or the sacs (bursas) in the joints that protect the jackhammer. muscles and tendons as they move across the C Forceful exertion - i.e., heavy lifting. bones in the knee, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. C Cold temperatures - i.e. ,working outside Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - CTS is a and in refrigerated areas. swelling of the linings surrounding the wrist. C Smoking. C Obesity. • within easy reach of you helps to create C Arthritis. fewer awkward positions for your body. • Stay warm and stretch. Keeping your Symptoms of RSI body warm, including your hands, is very There are many symptoms and signs to important. Cold muscles are less flexible watch for that are early indicators of RSI. and much more susceptible to injury and Symptoms include: strain from overuse. • Tingling, coldness, or numbness of the • Use caution when lifting. Be sure that joints. you are close to the object. Do not bend • Clumsiness and loss of strength and over to lift. Keep your back straight and coordination. lift with your leg muscles. Do not twist • Pain that prevents you from getting to your body while lifting. sleep, or that wakes you up at night • Reduce your stress. Stress results in • Tightness, stiffness, discomfort, and high blood pressure, restricted blood soreness in the hands, forearms, elbows, flow, and muscle tension, all increasing shoulders, neck, and back your risk of RSI. Minimize stress by exercising three times a week for 30 Changes for Successful Prevention of minutes. Stop smoking, and reduce your RSI caffeine intake. • Listen to your body. Pain is your body’s • Practice good posture. Practicing good way of telling you it is in trouble. Listen! posture is as important for the prevention Pain, if ignored, can result in reduction in of RSI as any ergonomic device. your range of motion, restriction of Anything that creates an awkward reach, activities, and even surgery. position, or angle for the body can create problems. When sitting, standing, or performing other activities for a Summary considerable time, relax, move around, If you have, or are experiencing any of and shift positions frequently. Sit with the symptoms of RSI, go to your doctor or health your back straight. Take frequent breaks provider. Do not wait! A combination of early that allow you to adjust, stretch, and relax diagnosis and a few changes can reduce the your muscles. It is also important to damage to your body, minimize pain, and remember that even a perfect posture can maximize the enjoyment you get from life. result in problems if it is held too rigidly over a long period of time. Bringing tools Utah State University Extension is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and educational organization. We offer our programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Robert L. Gilliland, Vice-President and Director, Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. (EP/04-2001/DF).
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