General Symptoms
The one factor that binds all Repetitive Strain Injuries together is pain. There are many types of injury, with many causes for each, but the one symptom prevalent in all cases is the discomfort caused by the affliction. In some cases the pain is not felt where the issue actually lies; for example in the case of a shoulder injury where the pain is felt in the hand, and so it is important that linkage between injuries is considered. Other common symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning, tightness and swelling. In some cases sufferers may experience a different colouration of the skin, and or a change in size or shape of a particular region. Tiredness can also be associated with repetitive strain injuries. The ongoing pain itself can have a detrimental effect on the sleeping pattern of sufferers, and can cause general weakness.
Specific Symptoms
The symptoms described above can be common to many types of RSI, but there are particular types of injury or disease that can lead to specific symptoms.
Bursitis can be similar to tendonitis and can cause stiffness and pain.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affect different parts of the fingers, hands and wrists and have been known to extend up the arm
DeQuervain’s Syndrome symptoms are usually localised to the wrist area and thumb.
Diffuse RSI can be difficult to list, but will involve hand and wrist pain, and potentially a change of skin colour and temperature around the affected area.
Duputren’s Contracture Syndrome frequently presents itself as a lump in the palm of the hand eventually causing the fingers to bend inwards.
Dystonia (Writers Cramp) usually involves ongoing pain in the hand and forearm and can sometimes lead to involuntary spasms.
Epicondylitis, also know as Tennis Elbow comes as a dull ache within the forearm which is exacerbated by gripping or twisting.
Gamekeeper’s Thumb Syndrome generally evolves over a long period of heavy use, rather than Skier’s Thumb which is more commonly caused by an injury.
Ganglions are a type of cyst that can grow on the fingers or wrists. They often disappear without treatment but can be painful if they are knocked against a hard surface.
Raynaud’s disease sufferers will often see their fingers turn white or even blue. This is due to the constriction of the blood vessels in the hand and should be treated immediately to avoid further complications such as gangrene.
Tendonitis causes localised pain due to the swelling of the tendons – it usually develops over time unless it is caused by a direct injury.
What to do next?
If you think that you suffer from any of the above symptoms you should contact your GP to see what treatments are available. If you have developed any of these conditions as a direct result of your employment you should contact one of our solicitors today to see if you are entitled to claim for compensation.