Numerous activities can cause repetitive stress syndrome. Repetitive stress syndrome, also known as repetitive strain injury, is a potentially debilitating condition caused by overuse of a certain body part, segment or tissue when performing a repetitive task. Repetitive strain injuries can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the cause of your injury, the extent of your injury and the specific tissues involved.
Computing
Computer-related injuries are one of the leading causes of repetitive stress syndrome. According to KidsHealth from Nemours, numerous injuries or conditions may be caused by repetitive hand and wrist motions when using the computer, including carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis or tennis elbow, ganglion cysts, tendinitis and reflex sympathetic dystrophy -- a painful condition in which you experience dry, swollen hands and a loss of muscle control. Typing and mousing are factors that contribute to computer-related repetitive strain injuries. Other factors that may contribute to computer-related hand, wrist and elbow problems include poor posture when you're computing, tensing your shoulders, pounding the keyboard when you're typing, failing to take frequent breaks when computing and failing to stretch or perform postural exercises on a regular basis.
Sports
Participation in sports -- both recreational and competitive -- is a leading cause of repetitive stress syndrome. Sports Injury Clinic states that, although many repetitive strain injuries are occupationally-induced, certain sports, especially racket sports such as squash, tennis and badminton, can also cause repetitive strain injuries. One of the most common causes of sports-related repetitive strain injuries is poor technique. Inadequate equipment, insufficient conditioning and poor posture are also factors that can contribute to repetitive stress injuries among athletes. Common signs and symptoms associated with sports-related repetitive stress syndrome include pain, aching, throbbing, tingling, numbness or tightness in the affected area. According to Sports Injury Clinic, symptoms initially occur only when you're performing your sport or activity, but may later progress so that pain is present even when you are at rest.
Work
Workplace demands and activities are one of the leading causes of repetitive stress syndrome. According to KidsHealth, certain jobs that require repetitive tasks can cause repetitive strain injuries. Common job-related causes of repetitive strain injuries include scanning items as a supermarket checker, carrying heavy trays as a server, playing musical instruments, text messaging, production line activities, cleaning and dress-making. Workers at risk for repetitive strain injuries should consider preventative techniques to avoid this potentially debilitating condition. Improving your overall flexibility and strength can help ward off repetitive strain injuries, as can taking breaks or switching tasks about every 30 minutes. Most repetitive strain injuries respond well to conservative care methods, such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, naturopathy and acupuncture. Regular care from these providers can also help you avoid repetitive strain injuries.
