We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Repetitive Stress Syndrome?

By D. Jeffress
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,851
Share

Repetitive stress syndrome is a diagnosis that can describe any number of overuse injuries. When a person repeatedly overexerts a particular muscle or muscle group, he or she can experience chronic aches, tenderness, swelling, and loss of range of motion. The most common sites of repetitive stress injuries include the hand and wrist, elbow, shoulder, lower back, and knee. Most injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Professional medical or surgical care should be considered for problems that persist for several weeks or cause debilitating pain.

People who perform the same type of tasks throughout the day, every day at work are at the highest risk of repetitive stress syndrome. Typing, writing, sewing, and other jobs that require constant finger and wrist movement can result in a very common type of repetitive stress syndrome called carpal tunnel. The muscles in the hands become weakened and painful because the repetitive motions cause inflammation around nerves. When nerves are compressed, it can be difficult or impossible to make controlled movements of the hand.

Elbow and shoulder problems can arise due to hammering nails, swinging a golf club or tennis racket, throwing a baseball, or any other repetitive task that requires a significant amount of force. Inflammation can arise in the joint and nearby tendons, resulting in arm weakness, dull aches, and tenderness. Lower back and knee pain are common among movers and construction workers who are required to frequently lift heavy objects. Poor posture or technique can increase the chance of developing repetitive stress syndrome.

A person who experiences mild repetitive stress syndrome symptoms can usually prevent the condition from getting worse by taking a break from activity. Rest is the most important part of recovery in order to give the affected muscles time to recuperate. Icing and elevating a sore joint and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can also provide symptom relief. If pain lasts more than a few weeks, it is important to visit a doctor.

A physician can perform a physical evaluation and take imaging scans of the sore body part to determine the severity of a repetitive stress injury. He or she might prescribe a high-strength painkiller or inject a corticosteroid into the inflamed muscle to reduce uncomfortable symptoms. If significant damage has occurred to muscles, joints, or tendons, surgery may be considered.

Many cases of repetitive stress syndrome can be prevented. Ergonomic devices, such as comfortable office chairs, cushioning keyboard pads, and supportive back braces can help take the strain out of repetitive tasks. In addition, a person can take more frequent breaks from activity and improve posture or technique.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon119507 — On Oct 18, 2010

How is it prevented?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-repetitive-stress-syndrome.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.