How Long Does It Take for Repetitive Strain Injury to Heal?

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is classified into two types:

1. Type I: This is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by swelling and inflammation of muscles or tendons.
2. Type II: This is related to nerve damage from several causes, but the main cause is due to work activity.

The most common causes of RSI nowadays are manual labor, office work, and the use of modern technological devices. Other causes of RSI include:

• Poor posture or holding the same posture for longer hours
• Forceful activities that are done in awkward or uncomfortable positions
• Repeated activity or action where there is direct pressure to particular areas
• Twisting or overexertion of a single muscle or a group of muscles
• Muscle fatigue

The symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI) are determined by the severity of the strain and the part of the body affected. Symptoms of RSI may include:

• Aching
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Stiffness and loss of motion or flexibility
• Throbbing or pulsating in the affected area
• Tingling sensation especially in the hand or arm
• Weakness
• Cramping
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of strength

Here are a few conditions that are associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI). However, these conditions could be caused by other factors.

• Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the joints)
• Tendonitis (inflammation of tendons)
• Tendinosis (degeneration of tendons)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness caused by pressure on the nerve)
• Raynaud’s disease (small arteries that supply the skin constrict when cold and reduces blood supply to the affected area)
• Rotator cuff syndrome (damage to tendons that hold the shoulder joint)
• Medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow (affected inside of the lower arm)
• Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow (affected outer part of the elbow)
• Stenosing tenosynovitis or trigger finger (caused by strong gripping of the finger, which may be stuck in a bent position)
• Radial tunnel syndrome (overuse of the hand irritates the nerve and cause pain)
• Writer’s cramp (spasm of muscles in hands due to overuse)

Taking preventive measures can help lower the risk factors of repetitive strain injury (RSI). If the cause of RSI is work-related, then it gets difficult to prevent it from developing or worsening. The only way to reduce the risk of RSI is by reducing the intensity of the activity.

The other ways to decrease the risk of RSI include:

• Take frequent short breaks from repetitive work
• Set up workspaces that allow proper body posture
• Stretch the body before any activity, which may create tension
• Stand up, stretch the body and extend the back, arms, and fingers after working for longer hours
• Proper warmup and cooldown exercises are to be done before and after physical activity
• Avoid activities that trigger discomfort or flare-up
• Use splints or bands to reduce strain during physical activities

A doctor can diagnose an RSI through physical examination, analyzing medical history, understanding the type of repetitive movements the patient performs daily and causes of discomfort. Diagnosis can be made with imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging, which provides a clear picture of any rips, ruptures, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

RSI may become much more uncomfortable and lead to decreased mobility, weakness, or disability of the affected area if left untreated.