Repetitive movements can lead to injury simply because of their repetitive nature. Often these movements are carried out at a rapid pace and require the application of some pressure to complete the movement. The parts of the body that sustain injury through this type of activity are typically the fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulders, hands, or arms. The injuries that may be caused by this sort of repetitive motion are plentiful.
One such injury is tendonitis; this is a swelling of the tendon near the gap between the tendon and the corresponding muscle. This condition can cause pain.
Another condition is epicondylitis. This is more commonly known as tennis elbow. This can also cause pain and finds its root in swelling in the location of the tendons and bones near the elbow joint.
Ganglions are another matter. They consist of a swelling that is round and smooth. It is usually located near a joint and commonly occurs on the back of a person’s hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is perhaps the most well known injury related to prolonged computer use. Everyone has heard of it and is vaguely aware that it has to do with repetitive computer work or repetitive actions. In reality, it is again a swelling of the tendons that come through the front of the wrist. This swelling then applies pressure to the median nerve. This may coincide with rheumatoid arthritis, or it may stand on its own. The resulting sensations for the individual who suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can include feelings of pain, numbness, burning, and tingling. In time, this can impair the usage of the afflicted hand. The afflicted hand may be weakened, experience clumsiness, and may not fare as well when it comes to manual dexterity. Tingling or itching sensations of the fingers may also be present.
Repetitive motion injuries are diagnosed by the symptoms of pain, numbness, or swelling around the problematic areas. These will be the main indications of the injuries. In the beginning, it may take the repetitive action to trigger the unpleasant symptoms or pain. If the condition worsens, however, then the pain or other symptoms may be present in the afflicted areas all the time. In some cases, symptoms may not even manifest until after the action, making it harder to diagnose. You may not realize that the pain or numbness that you feel in your hands at night is actually the result of your long hours spent at the computer during the day.
You may be wondering if this damage is permanent. It all depends on how a sufferer responds in the early stages. These problems can be avoided if immediate action is taken, but allowing them to persist unchecked can lead to permanent damage to the affected areas.
Our next post in this series will be on information overload.
