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Repetitive movements can cause repetitive motion disorders (RMDs), or stress injuries to your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves
Repetitive movements can cause repetitive motion disorders (RMDs), or stress injuries to your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
RMDs are usually caused by repetitive movements you make at work or while performing daily tasks. When coupled with other predisposing factors, repetitive movements can cause pain and weakness in affected joints or muscles. If left untreated, RMDs may cause visible swelling, redness, tingling, numbness, inability to move the affected part and, in rare cases, permanent disability.
What are common repetitive motion disorders?
The most common RMDs include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Medial or lateral epicondylitis
- Ganglion cysts
- Trigger finger
- Rotator cuff swelling
Although commonly seen in the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, RMDs can sometimes occur at the lower back, hips, ankles, knees, and feet. Sometimes, bad posture and form during running can cause strain, pain, and swelling over the shins and ankles. About 50% of total reported sports injuries are RMDs.
What causes repetitive motion disorders?
Repetitive motion disorders often affect individuals who:
- Work in the assembly lines
- Work as meat packagers or gardeners
- Play musical instruments
- Knit while sitting
- Work in front of a computer without a proper work table
- Play sports such as golf, tennis, etc.
RMDs are particularly seen with:
- Small and repeated movements without breaks
- Vigorous forceful movements
- Prolonged and unsupported stance (for example, constant flexing of thumbs while playing video games)
- Bad posture
- Poor ergonomics
- No work breaks
- Use of vibratory tools, such as drills
How is a repetitive strain injury treated?
Depending on the severity of the injury and post-injury care, repetitive strain injuries can take anywhere from weeks to 6 months to heal.
Application of ice packs over the affected part, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in recommended dosage, and rest are crucial for the strain to get better. Sometimes, using splints or specially designed keyboards, tools, or workstations may help resolve symptoms.
If the injury is not well cared for in the initial stages, it will eventually get worse and require medical intervention, such as steroid injections in the affected part. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to manage advanced deformity and disability associated with the injury.
Physiotherapy, muscle strengthening exercises, infrared light therapy, and ultrasonic therapy help reduce local swelling. Many people also find that their symptoms get better with acupressure and massages. These alternative therapy methods should be done only with the approval of your doctor.
Is repetitive strain injury permanent?
If neglected, repetitive motion disorders can progress and cause permanent soft tissue and tendon damage, nerve entrapment, and even muscle damage.
Most strain injuries recover completely, however. You can avoid the recurrent episodes of RMD through physiotherapy and making adjustments at work using the right ergonomics.
What can you do to prevent an RMD?
The best way to prevent repetitive motion disorders is to learn the right way to operate machinery and use the right type of work desk. If a particular posture or activity causes stiffness or pain, find another work desk that supports your joints, or customize one to adequately support your arms and back.
Exercises and stretches done during the day at work can also help relieve stiffness and cramps. Before physical activity, make sure to be diligent about warming up, stretching, and cooling down.
Preventive steps for RMDs usually include reducing or stopping the movements that cause symptoms. Other options include taking breaks to give the affected area time to rest and practicing stretching and relaxation exercises. Many companies have special ergonomic programs to help workers. These involve special keyboards, headsets, and ergonomic chairs with good back support.