Definition: When a person develops pain after frequently performing the same tasks or movements over a long period of time, this is called a repetitive strain injury (RSI). RSI can sneak up on you. Sometimes an injury will appear after years of onset. Other times it may develop quickly, over a period of months or weeks.
Some conditions that are commonly (but not exclusively) caused by repetitive strain include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back pain
- Neck strain
- Large joint pain (such as the knee or shoulder)
- Trigger finger
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Tendonitis
Recovery from repetitive strain injury often includes a combination of pain treatment, and changing or eliminating the activity that caused the injury. Your doctor may recommend other treatments that target your particular type of injury.
