Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

What is RSI?

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is pain that happens when you use the same part of your body over and over again. It's like when your muscles get tired and sore from doing the same movement too many times.

RSI most often affects your:

• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Arms and wrists
• Hands and fingers

What does RSI feel like?

The pain usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. You might notice:

• Pain - this can feel like burning, aching or a deep throbbing feeling
• Stiffness - your joints might feel tight and hard to move
• Weakness - the affected area might feel less strong than usual
• Tingling or pins-and-needles - like when your arm "falls asleep"
• Numbness - areas that feel like they have no feeling
• Muscle cramps - sudden, painful tightening of muscles
• Swelling - the area might look puffed up or feel bigger than normal

What causes RSI?

RSI happens when you repeat the same movements many times. Common causes include:

• Work activities like typing on a computer, hairdressing, decorating, or working on a factory line
• Sports like golf or tennis that use the same movements repeatedly
• Poor posture when sitting or standing at work
• Using power tools regularly

It's important to know that not everyone who does repetitive work gets RSI. Many people do the same job for years without problems. Pain can also be caused by other things, including getting older.

How can you help yourself feel better?

There are several things you can do at home:

Do:

• Stay active - you might need to do less activity at first, then slowly increase it
• Take painkillers - paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen can help. You can use tablets or gels that you rub on the sore area
• Use hot or cold packs - wrap a hot water bottle or bag of frozen peas in a towel and put it on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours
• Talk to your employer - they might be able to help by changing how you work or reducing your hours

Don't:

• Rest for too long - resting for more than a few days can make the affected area weaker and stiffer

When should you see a GP?

Speak to your GP if:

• Your RSI symptoms are not getting better
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• The pain is stopping you from doing normal activities

What treatments are available?

Most people with RSI get better by managing their symptoms at home. However, if you need extra help:

• Physiotherapy - a physiotherapist can massage the affected area and teach you exercises to strengthen muscles and improve posture. This is free on the NHS, though you might have to wait
• Steroid injections - sometimes these are recommended to reduce pain and swelling
• Surgery - this is rarely needed and only for very severe cases

Your local pharmacy can also help by advising you about painkillers and whether you need to see a GP.

Remember, many people with RSI get better on their own with simple self-care measures.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.