RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury

by: News Canada

(NC)-Repetitive Strain Injury (R.S.I.) occurs when muscles, nerves or tendons become inflamed or irritated. R.S.I. is often reflected in people who have developed arthritis as a result of sports/workplace injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, for example. It is caused by performing repetitive motions, using excessive force or using extreme movements.

Causes:

Repetitive tasks - small, rapid movements that are repeated over and over.
Awkward sitting or standing positions - working in an awkward position or not moving regularly.
Heavy moving - using force or moving heavy loads.
Lack of rest time - no time to take a break during work or activity.

Symptoms:

Stiff or tight muscles in hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, elbows or shoulders.
Tingling and/or coldness in hands.
Loss of coordination in hands.
Pain.

Solutions:

Make sure your work station feels comfortable.
Take regular breaks before pain or discomfort develops.
Take time to gently stretch and exercise during those breaks.
Slide or roll objects, if possible.

For more information on Arthritis in the Workplace, call us:

The Arthritis Society Information Line - 1-800-321-1433 or log on to www.arthritis.ca.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.