Repetitive Strain Injury – Part 2

If you practice a high risk sport – such as a raquet sport – or work in a high risk environment, such as on the computer all day with little rest, it’s important to practice prevention. You can minimize your risk of developing the condition by learning and practicing good positioning of your upper extremities. Use an ergonomically correct keyboard if you spend hours each day typing. Learn to sit up straight in your chair. Take frequent breaks. Every 15 minutes get up and move around, stretch and get the blood moving.

As your heart rate increases and moves the blood around, it reduces the inflammatory response to an area. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your elbows at 90 degrees at your desk. Take lessons from a tennis coach and strengthen the muscles in your forearm and upper arm to protect your elbow.

Repetitive stress injuries are treated by removing the problem activity and starting Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – or R.I.C.E. – in combination with oral anti-inflammatory medications if needed, your body will begin to heal. Do not return to your previous level of activity without first engaging in therapeutic exercises to stretch and strengthen the area, and then return gradually.

Resources:

University of Nebraska: Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injury

http://rsi.unl.edu/

NHS Choices: Repetitive Strain Injury

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Repetitive-strain-injury/Pages/Introduction.aspx

KidsHealth: Computer-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/ergonomics.html

Cleveland Clinic: Repetitive Stress Injury

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/orthopaedics-rheumatology/diseases-conditions/repetitive-stress-injury.aspx

Public and Commercial Services Union: Guide to Repetitive Strain Injury

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/resources/health_and_safety/guide_to_repetitive_strain_injury.cfm