4
Repetitive Stress Injuries
It is believed that overusing the muscles and
tendons of the fingers, hands, arms and shoulders
may cause soreness, swelling, numbness,
weakness and extreme pain in those areas. Certain
repetitive hand activities may put you at a high risk
for developing a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). An
extreme RSI condition is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
(CTS), which could occur when your wrist swells
and squeezes a vital nerve that runs through the
area. Some believe that prolonged exposure to
vibration may contribute to CTS. CTS can cause
severe pain for months or even years. To reduce
the risk of RSI/CTS, do the following:
•
Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended or
twisted position. Instead try to maintain a
straight wrist position. Also, when grasping,
use your whole hand, not just the thumb and
index finger.
•
Take periodic breaks to minimize repetition and
rest your hands.
•
Reduce the speed and force with which you do
the repetitive movement.
•
Do exercise to strengthen the hand and arm
muscles.
•
See a doctor if you feel tingling, numbness or
pain in the fingers, hands, wrists or arms.
The sooner RSI/CTS is diagnosed, the more
likely permanent nerve and muscle damage
can be prevented.
