What is RSI of the forearm?
RSI is very often brought on by extremely tight forearm extensor muscles. These muscles can be found in the upper forearm region and become so tight because they are overused, for instance, through carrying out repetitive tasks at work. Forearm extensor muscles are used to lift the wrist and fingers, a key motion in unergonomic keyboard and mouse use such as when the hands are bent backwards and the fingers are raised whilst hovering over a keyboard ready to type.
Sufferers of RSI in the forearm may also develop knots – solid tissue that is scarred. Ultimately, the tight and possibly knotted extensor muscles are overused, and aren’t given the chance to recover (through taking regular breaks etc.) This means they are left in a permanently fatigued state, with tension in the forearm tendons which the extensor muscles are attached to. This is what causes the pain felt down the forearm tendons and sometimes in the wrists, hands and fingers.
The pain in the forearm is felt when something presses on the location of the knots but is mostly evident when the pain from the forearm goes down into the back of the hands and fingers. Some pain may also be felt in the attachment points of the extensor muscles, which is where the muscles attach to a number of bones around the elbow joint.
What can I do about it?
If you experiencing pain in your forearm and think that it could be as a result of RSI, it is wise to visit your GP without delay. The GP should be able to diagnose RSI fairly easily, sometimes using an X-ray or ultrasound to help them diagnose the condition. Should you be diagnosed with RSI then you will need to speak to your employer about limiting the number of tasks you carry out which put pressure on the forearm.
Legally, if you are suffering with RSI as a result of your work you might be entitled to make a claim for compensation. If you’d like more information, please call 0800 028 2060 to speak to a member of our experienced team. Alternatively you can request a call back at a time convenient for you here.
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