Could you be suffering from repetitive strain injury (RSI) at your workplace?

Do you spend hours in front of the computer? Do you frequently complain about painful limbs? Find out if you have RSI like everyone else

Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : June 13, 2015 1:49 PM IST

Now-a-days, it's common for people spending hours in front of the computer to complain about neck pain and pain around the upper limbs. But beware because ignorance could lead to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

According to Malchira S. Somanna, consultant orthopaedician at NH Narayana Multispeciality Hospital in Bangalore, complains of repetitive stress injury have increased, with 200 patients between the age group 20-30, on an average reporting injuries of such nature. Nearly 90 percent of the orthopedic patients in the outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital are RSI patients coming from different multinational companies. 'Stressful jobs like in the IT industry that requires employees to sit in front of the computer for 14-16 hours every day, causes them to slouch and get used to bad posture, leading to Repetitive Strain Injury,' he says.

J.D. Mukherji, director, Neurology at Max Hospital, also reports a similar incidence. 2-3 patients visiting the orthopedician complain about symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome, a form of repetitive stress injury. 'Carpel Tunnel syndrome is very common and I get about 20 cases every week. This happens when the median nerve gets compressed, leading to tingling sensation in the hand that worsens at night,' Mukherji told IANS. Carpel Tunnel syndrome patients, he added, are however not just young workers but also those suffering from diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatic arthritis.

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Here are some symptoms you should look out for:

Tingling sensation in the hands
Feeling of numbness
Pain around the neck and upper shoulders
Feeling of a 'heavy burden' on the shoulders.
Stiffness
Cramp in the hands
Tenderness in joints

According to doctors, the treatment of RSI is pronged and mainly focuses on exercises and physiotherapy, apart from medicines. Depending on the condition, you may need and three weeks to six months to recover. But if you ignore the condition there are chances that the injury may worsen and may take longer to recover.

'The treatment of RSI involves avoiding the use of the affected tendons and nerves. For example overusing the phone can result in the inflammation of the elbow. So overusing the injured muscles can result in weakening of the muscle, and can even lead to disability. So the best prevention for such a situation is to avoid overusing affected muscles,' Mukherji suggests.

Here are some expert tips to prevent RSI:

Change the inclination of your computer screen to about 15-20 degrees until you attain a better, comfortable posture.
Make a conscious effort to sit in a god posture while in front of the work desk
Use a chair that is more comfortable and is at an ideal height. Adjust the chair and desk such that your computer screen is either at your eye level or slightly lower.
Adjust your mouse next to your keyboard. While using the mouse, move the entire arm instead of moving your wrist by fixing it at one position. Type gently, and again don't fix your wrist in a specific position while typing.
Always sit with your back straight. Ensure your legs are perpendicular to the floor and your feet are resting flat on the floor. Your elbows should rest at the sides.
Take small breaks from work and use it to stretch your limbs or go for a mini walk without disturbing anyone.

With inputs from IANS

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