Is Repetitive Strain Injury Becoming An Epidemic?

Repetitive strain injury is fast becoming an epidemic; many people around the globe are wandering around with aching shoulders, tense hands and cramp in the wrist, but what is making this epidemic happen.

What is repetitive strain injury?

Repetitive strain injury is a condition caused by carrying out the same movement time and again. By carrying out the same movement over and over, you stress the area of your body carrying out the movement to the point where it becomes tense, painful and your movement becomes restricted.

Common forms of repetitive strain injury are tennis elbow or golfers elbow, but many different hobbies, sports and jobs can cause repetitive strain injury like dress makers from sewing, electricians from using screw drivers and musicians from playing their instruments for long periods of time.

What is causing the epidemic?

The advent of the computer has caused a dramatic rise in cases of repetitive strain injury; many people are finding themselves suffering with pain in the wrists that builds up over time.

The problem with the computer age is that many people spend hours and hours in front of their monitors at work before traveling home, and spending hours and hours talking to their friends on instant messaging programs and social network websites.

When people use their computers they do not realize that unless they sit with the perfect posture and their arms and wrists supported in the correct way they can cause a lot of damage.

The first mistake many people make is being hunched over a small desk that has not been poorly positioned, with their chairs to low down so their wrists are lying on thin air.

The second mistake people make is sitting for long periods of time without taking regular breaks. By taking regular breaks you can give your body time to relax.

The third and final mistake is to carry on working while feeling stressed. Stress can make your muscles tense, which increases the possibilities of getting repetitive strain injury.

Protecting yourself from the epidemic

Before using your PC, assess the workstation and seating arrangements to make sure it fulfils the need to support your body correctly.

Every 20 to 30 minutes, take a short break, it gives your body time to relax, even if it's just to stretch your legs or get a glass of water.

It may sound silly as your not running a marathon, but why not trying some simple stretches and warm up exercises so your muscles are warm, loose and ready for the typing ahead.

Why not use wrist supports? There are many different types of wrist supports on the market that are inexpensive; especially when you think about what it can do for your health.

Treating the epidemic

Although the condition may sound like it will scar you for life, it isn't that bad. You can alleviate the issues of repetitive strain injury by taking pain killers and anti-inflammatory pills, wrist supports, hot and cold packs and finally, should you have more severe repetitive strain injury, there is physiotherapy.