Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms
In this section we will provide a general list of symptoms that you may encounter with a repetitive strain injury and then each specific RSI will be evaluated so you can attempt to self diagnose (please remember that this should only be used as a guide and if you do believe that you have an RSI based on symptoms listed here you should always seek the professional guidance of your doctor).
General RSI Symptoms
The overriding general symptom of a repetitive strain injury is pain. Usually this is in the local area affected by the RSI, however, this is not always the case. For example, a pinched nerve in the shoulder region could be the reason for a hand based RSI, so it is important to be aware that there may be a certain degree of linkage between injuries.
Pain will usually manifest itself in the muscles or joints and can affect the shoulders, neck, upper back, arms, wrists, hands and fingers amongst others.
Tingling, numbness, tightness, burning, swelling and general soreness are often experienced along with a feeling of weakness in the affected area.
Some may experience a different colouration in the skin and/or a change in shape of the affected region.
Tiredness can often be associated with a repetitive strain injury. The actual pain itself can have a weakening affect, however, depending on the type and severity of the RSI, it can also affect sleeping patterns.
In the early stages of an RSI it is common to have one or two of the symptoms during the type of activity that brings on the pain, but once the activity has ceased, the symptoms will also disappear. For example, if you are a typist you may experience RSI type symptoms during the day whilst typing, but once you have finished work (or over the weekend) you will not suffer any symptoms. It is important to note that although the pain may be manageable (and it may disappear for large periods of your day) it could develop into a more severe case producing greater pain with more frequency (the RSI symptoms may even become irreversible if the case is sufficiently advanced) if the source of the RSI is not tackled and treatment is not sought.
Specific RSI Symptoms
Although the symptoms of RSI are generally fairly similar, each specific type of injury will have a specialised set of symptoms. We will provide the symptoms for the following:
Tendonitis
Sufferers will encounter localised pain, tenderness and a lack of mobility in the affected limbs due to a thickening or scarring of the surrounding tissue.
Tenosynovitis
People often spot swelling in the affected area, sometimes with a warm or ‘crackly’ feeling when they move it. The movement can feel tight or awkward.
DeQuervain’s Syndrome
This can make the thumb area feel swollen or sore to the touch. When you move your thumb, it might feel like it catches or hesitates, almost as if something is sticking inside.
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
The elbow can feel stiff or tender and you might notice your arm doesn’t feel as strong as it normally does. Everyday things that involve holding or lifting can feel a lot more tiring.
Trigger Finger/Thumb
A finger may feel stiff or stuck especially after resting. You might feel a small bump at the base of the finger and the finger can click or pop when you move it. Sometimes it locks in a bent position and then suddenly releases.
Bursitis
Similar to tendonitis the area can look swollen and the skin may feel warm or tender, with the difference being a feeling like there’s extra fluid under the skin. The joint can also feel stiff and harder to move.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Small, firm lumps can appear in the palm and over time these can produce thick bands (cords) usually near to or on the ring and little fingers. These fingers may slowly start to curl inwards with the skin appearing puckered or dimpled.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
You may feel tingling, numbness or a ‘pins and needles’ sensation in the fingers. You may experience an unusual weakness or clumsiness in your hand, causing you to drop things and some sufferers complain of a pain that radiates up the arm.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This often causes numbness, tingling or in severe cases paralysis in the ring and little fingers. The hand can feel less co-ordinated and you might find it harder to manage small, precise movements. It is common for symptoms to be worse in the early morning or late evening.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Your forearm may feel tired, achy or weak with tenderness and pain on the outside of the elbow. Symptoms are very similar to that of tennis elbow, the one difference being the exact location of the pain.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
You might notice tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand. The arm can feel heavy or tired and sometimes the skin changes temperature or colour, often pale and slightly blue.
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Raynaud’s syndrome is characterised by a temporary restriction of blood flow to the fingers and toes. Symptoms are episodic, often referred to as attacks. During an episode/attack your fingers or toes may change colour, white, blue to red. White as the blood flow reduces, blue from the resulting lack of oxygen and red as the attack subsides and blood returns. As this happens the skin can feel tight and uncomfortable.
Vibration White Finger
Your fingers may feel numb and tingly and during cold weather they can turn very pale, even white. As the colour returns the fingers may throb or burn. Over time, grip becomes weaker and less reliable.
Ganglion Cysts
A smooth round lump may appear near a joint or tendon which can change size over time. They can be painful if accidentally knocked against a hard surface and depending on the size and location of the cyst, they can restrict movement.
Diffuse RSI
This tends to feel more spread out rather than focused on one spot. You might notice a general ache, burning or throbbing feeling, along with stiffness. The limb can feel tired or weak and everyday tasks take more effort than usual.