Do you have pain and stiffness in a joint you use over and over in the same way? Then read on because its plausible you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury.
A repetitive stress injury is caused by repeatedly stressing a joint or muscle without allowing ample time for recovery. Over time, the continuous burden on this joint or muscle, along with its surrounding tendons and ligaments, becomes irritated. Your body’s natural response to irritation is inflammation to protect itself from any further tissue damage.
Typical symptoms caused by a repetitive stress injury are:
- pain
- fatigue
- myalgia
- stiffness
- soreness
- paresthesia
- muscle weakness
- joint popping, clicking
In some cases, symptoms are felt peripherally from the actual injury site due to the effect on servicing nerve.
A repetition type injury is not exclusively a sports related condition. Performing any relentless task, for instance activities involved with a computer like typing or mouse clicking, can cause repetitive sort of injuries. Also, poor posture while sitting at a computer for hours can lead to neck and back pain because of awkward joint stress.
There are different types of repetitive stress injuries, couple of the most common being:
- bursitis
- tendonitis
- shin splints
- stress fractures
- carpal tunnel syndrome
The primary repetitive stress injury treatment is stop doing the incessant activity. In other words, give it a rest. Taking a pain reliever or anti inflammatory drug, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, helps reduce any associated pain and swelling.
If completely refraining from doing an activity is virtually impossible, then at least cut back and take frequent breaks. Icing and messaging the area may assist in treating excess inflammation.