Repetitive stress injuries are defined by pain and swelling caused by repeated stress from activities resulting in injury to the musculoskeletal or nervous system. Symptoms range from vague, dull aching to sharp pain upon movement. Repetitive stress injuries can affect any part of the body and can stem from repetitive activities such as typing, tennis or texting.
Computer Use
Typing, using a mouse or sitting at the computer for long periods can lead to repetitive stress injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, you might experience pain in the hands, elbows, shoulders, neck or back. Other symptoms are cramps, tingling or numbness in the hands. Hand movements may become clumsy and you may find it difficult to fasten buttons. The Mayo Clinic reports that carpal tunnel syndrome is a common diagnosis in computer-related repetitive stress injury. Symptoms include a dull ache in the hands and wrist. Typing becomes difficult and movements are restricted. Pain can become so severe that typing becomes next to impossible.
Sports
Repetitive stress injury caused by sports can include bursitis, shin splints and tennis elbow. Also known as overuse injuries, these injuries come from overuse of certain joints and muscles involved in athletic activities. Equipment that doesn't fit may also lead to repetitive stress injury. Running shoes that don't fit can lead to shin splints, and an improperly fitted tennis racket can cause tennis elbow. According to The National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website, shin splints cause pain down the shin and front of the lower leg, are commonly found in runners, and are usually harmless. Bursitis is associated with carrying backpacks, over-reaching or joint overuse in sports, occurring in the knee or shoulder. Signs include pain, restricted movement and swelling. Tennis elbow causes pain and swelling in the elbow where the bones rub together.
Work
The University of Michigan reports that often-repetitive movements—activities such as typing, using a computer, bad posture while doing a movement, using too much force or performing repetitive movements without sufficient breaks—may lead to symptoms of repetitive stress injury. Working conditions involving vibrating machinery, repetitive activity in cold environments and poorly designed workstations also can contribute to repetitive stress injury. Common symptoms include but are not limited to tenderness or pain in the affected muscle or joint, a throbbing or tingling sensation in the affected area, especially the hand or arm, or loss of strength or sensation in the hand.
