Repetitive Strain Injuries, also known as RSI, can be caused by many factors. In many cases these are caused by repeated use of the same movements that can in turn cause damage to the soft tissue such as:
- Repeated arm use for too long
- Working with equipment that doesn’t fit your body
- Working too fast
- Not having sufficient recovery breaks
- Holding your muscles in the same position for a long time
- Lack of training in the safest way to carry out a task
- Lack of variety in the work you do
- Working in cold conditions
What is injured by RSI?
Muscles and Tendons
Whenever muscles or tendons are used, tiny tears can occur in the tissue and the local area becomes inflamed for a short while as the body repairs the damage. Under normal circumstances, with sufficient rest, the body would repair the damage and the pain would subside, but without sufficient rest more activity causes further damage and more inflammation, thickening, scar tissue and pain.
Nerves
Nerves can also be damaged by RSI. The tingling feelings often described are caused by the compression of nerves within the muscles: if muscle health is poor, in many cases so is nerve health. Damaged nerves can heal, but they take a long time to do so.
Joints
Joints can be damaged by spending long periods of time in poor posture situations; in the long term movement may become abnormal and result in joint pain and stiffness.
Treatment of RSI
Whereas acute RSI can be relatively simple to assess and treat successfully, it is very difficult to cure chronic RSI. The key thing to take from this is that early intervention is crucial. Speak to your employer and work with them to improve the situation ion your employment. If you are already suffering then speak to your doctor and see what treatments are available.
Who else can help?
If the damage has already been done and you are suffering from a long term repetitive strain injury that was brought on through your employment you should contact one of our solicitors today. They have been dealing with cases like these for years and will swiftly be able to talk through your situation and indentify whether or not you could be eligible for compensation.