Repetitive stress injury is a term that is used to describe a group of conditions caused by repetitively over-stressing a joint and the surrounding soft tissues. These types of injuries tend to occur when the same action is repeated over and over and are common with athletes. Common conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome are repetitive stress injuries that affect the soft tissues and cause symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling and loss of range of motion. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and reduce stress on the affected joint.
Ice
Since repetitive stress injuries cause inflammation, using an ice pack or ice massage can help reduce pain and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. Even though heat may feel good temporarily, in the first 24 to 48 hours only ice should be used. Never apply ice directly on the skin, but wrap it in a towel and apply it over the painful or swollen area for 20 minutes every two hours.
Rest
One of the first things to consider when treating a repetitive stress injury is resting or refraining from the offending activity for a time. Motion is important, but stressing the joint must be avoided. This means that athletes need to rest from their sport and someone who sits at a computer all day needs to improve posture, all in an effort to reduce stress. Too much inactivity can cause muscle atrophy and can exacerbate the condition, according to RSI-Therapy.com. Once the injury has been treated and proper motion restored to the joints and soft tissues, full activity may be resumed.
Stretching
Stretching of the muscles, tendons and ligaments is critical to reducing stress on the joints. Repetitive stress causes muscles to shorten and spasm. Stretch gently and consistently without doing anything that causes increased pain and inflammation.
Bracing
Occasionally, a clinician will recommend the temporary use of a brace to support the joint and prevent stress. It is critical that a brace not be worn beyond a day or two while inflammation is receding as it will lead to muscle atrophy and worsen the condition.
Exercise
In many cases, repetitive strain injury is the end result of muscle imbalance. Muscles that are responsible for the primary repetitive action are strong and the antagonist muscles become weak. In addition to stretching the tight and short muscles, exercising the weak ones will help balance joint motion and reduce stress on the joints.
Medication
According to The Arthritis Society, over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs--nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin--can be helpby providing anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. According to the Mayo Clinic, if symptoms are severe, it is possible to inject cortisone, a steroid that reduces pain and inflammation, directly into the affected area, but according to The Arthritis Society, steroid use has many side effects and needs to be monitored closely.
