Repetitive strain injury (RSI) covers a range of painful conditions of the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues - often in the arms, hands or upper back.
The symptoms tend to develop gradually. At first the symptoms may only occur whilst you do the repetitive task and ease off when you rest. In time the symptoms can be constantly present, but tend to be made worse by doing the repetitive task.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include:
- Recurring pain (myalgia) or soreness in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands
- Tingling, numbness, coldness or loss of sensation
- Dull ache or throbbing
- Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness
- Tightness in the muscles of the arms and shoulders
- Pain or numbness while lying in bed
RSI includes well-defined syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome (pain and compression in the wrist), tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon), tenosynovitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath), and frozen shoulder. These conditions may be due to, or be made worse by, repetitive tasks. These syndromes may have other symptoms such as swelling, inflammation, and nerve compression problems.
Sometimes RSI is called 'diffuse RSI' or 'non-specific pain syndrome' because your symptoms do not fit into a well-defined syndrome. Also, there are no objective or measurable signs such as inflammation, swelling or problems with nerve function.
If you believe your injuries have been caused by your working conditions or environment, please contact our team of personal injury solicitors today to find out the potential success of your claim.
