Repetitive strain injury (RSI), also known as work-related upper limb disorder, is described as a pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.
The condition mainly affects parts of the upper body, such as the forearms, elbows, wrists, hands, neck and shoulder.
Individuals can get RSI from a wide range of occupations and activities, such as, completing repetitive activities, using a computer or regularly doing a high-intensity activity for a long period of time without rest.
According to Trades Union Congress, half a million workers in the UK have reported an RSI condition. Last year, 5.4 million working days were lost in sick leave due to RSI, while six people in the UK leave their jobs every day due to an RSI condition.
What to do if I have a repetitive strain injury?
Common symptoms of RSI often include pain, aching or tenderness, stiffness, throbbing, tingling or numbness and cramp.
Without treatment, these symptoms will more than likely develop and gradually get worse over time; eventually, RSI can cause constant, long periods of pain, as well as, swelling in the affected area.
It is important to know that sometimes RSI has an underlying cause such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis or tennis elbow. If any of these conditions aren’t treated, you may end up with long-term chronic pain which could result in you finding day-to-day activities difficult in the future.
If you think you have RSI, it’s important not to ignore it. It is advised that you seek help from an occupational health specialist.
Harrow Health Care:
At Harrow Health Care, we offer tailor-made occupational health services for companies. We can provide a company health scheme that includes:
- A dedicated company doctor
- Pre-employment medicals
- Returnees to work/long-term sickness
- Health monitoring
- Executive screenings
- Specialist immunisations
We also offer a range of other occupational health services, which can be found here: http://bit.ly/2Zmvofm
For more information, contact our expert team today.
