What is the difference between rsi and carpal tunnel

Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed. The affected area can become swollen and painful. Prolonged and repeated movement and pressure on the joint can cause bursitis. These movements can include:. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a form of tendinosis that affects the tendons attached to the outside of the elbow.

Activities that can lead to overuse include: [22] [23]. Cubital tunnel syndrome is a form of repetitive strain injury where the ulnar nerve, which travels from the neck to the hand, becomes compressed or irritated at the elbow. Numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, particularly in the ring and little fingers, can result. Repeatedly stretching or bending the elbow, or keeping the elbow bent for long periods of time, can cause the ulnar nerve to become compressed.

People who regularly sleep on their elbow, for example, are more likely to be affected by cubital tunnel syndrome. If the ulnar nerve is compressed at the wrist, numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers can result. Ulnar tunnel syndrome is less common than cubital tunnel syndrome.

It is most often caused by a benign cyst, but can also be caused by repetitive movement or pressure to the hand. Activities that can cause such pressure include:. There is no specific test to diagnose repetitive strain injury as the condition takes many forms. A complicating factor is that some conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can have several causes. Repetitive strain injuries are diagnosed by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination.

Symptoms may be the result of other conditions, and diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as: [2] [7] [11]. Other tests can investigate damaged tissues, and include: [2] [27] [28]. If you think you or a loved one may have a repetitive strain injury, you can download the Ada app to begin your free symptom assessment. Treatment for repetitive strain injuries generally follow the same guidelines, whatever the cause or location of the injury.

There is some debate about which treatments are effective, but none are actively harmful. Stopping the activity that has caused the repetitive strain injury gives the body tissue time to heal itself.

If this is not possible, for example where the activity is part of a job, discussions should be held with the employer about changing work patterns or modifying equipment.

NSAIDs are available over the counter or can be prescribed by a medical professional, but carry risks when used in the long term. NSAIDs may be helpful for bursitis, which is caused by inflammation of a bursa. There is some evidence that other painkillers, such as paracetamol, can also be helpful in managing pain. Corticosteroid injections into the site of the repetitive strain injury can provide short-term pain relief.

Injections are administered by a medical professional and can provide relief for up to 48 hours. Steroid injections have few side effects, but may briefly worsen the pain. They work by directly reducing inflammation at the site of the injury. Corticosteroid injections may be helpful for carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and tennis elbow. Wearing a brace or splint can prevent further pressure on the affected body part and allow it time to heal.

A brace may be helpful for repetitive strain injuries such as: [7] [11] [25]. Surgery is an option for repetitive strain injuries which do not respond to non-surgical treatment or cause particular pain and disruption. Surgery may be helpful for severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and cubital tunnel syndrome.

Surgery for tennis elbow removes the damaged part of the tendon. Carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, with between , and , surgeries performed each year. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia. The ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel is cut, creating more space for the nerve and releasing pressure.

Symptoms should disappear over time, though severe cases may not be completely cured. Read more about the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Therapy to strengthen and improve mobility in body tissues may be helpful for repetitive strain injuries such as tennis elbow and bursitis. A physiotherapist can identify the best exercises for a particular injury and demonstrate how to perform each exercise so as to minimize the risk of further damage. Cooling the affected area with ice is a common home remedy for repetitive strain injuries.

Ice can numb the skin and provide short-term pain relief. Repetitive movements are the main cause of repetitive strain injuries, so taking steps to prevent the injury or stopping it getting worse is important. Many repetitive strain injuries happen at work, and workplaces should be equipped to do an ergonomic assessment of the work environment. Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with objects and their surroundings in the safest way.

Preventative measures that may be recommended include: [5] [35] [36]. The U. Repetitive strain injuries can also be caused by playing sport or taking part in hobbies. Preventative measures can include: [37]. Q: Can I get compensation for repetitive strain injury? A: Repetitive strain injuries are often caused by poor practices in the workplace.

Whether your workplace is liable to pay compensation will depend on the laws of the country you are working in. In the U. Q: Is repetitive strain injury permanent? Possible treatments include :. If left untreated, carpal tunnel can cause weakness from wasting on the thumb side of your hands.

Your thumb and finger may not be as coordinated as they were. Some people who have been treated for their CTS injury, still experience a lack of strength and sensation in their hand from the nerve damage.

See your doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Repetitive Strain Injury is a painful injury that can occur in many parts of the body caused by repetitive tasks , vibration, exertion, compression and awkward positions. The symptoms of RSI can range from tingling in the hand or arm to loss of sensation and strength through to tenderness and throbbing pain in an affected muscle or joint.

Other locations include the elbows, shoulders and knees depending on the type of work and hobbies people do. While RSI has become more prevalent with the use of keyboards for work, RSI has been around for much longer than the keyboard.

As early as an Italian doctor noticed the condition amongst musicians and clerks. Hobbies are to blame as well including tennis elbow and golf elbow. Exercising joints can help prevent RSI. Stretching wrists and fingers by extending the fingers back one by one and then all back at the same time can loosen tightness. Not all patients will have the same exact reactions to the treatments provided by our osteopaths.

In general, osteopathic solution to carpal tunnel syndrome will improve hand, finger, and wrist mobility because of better nerve connection brought about by the decreasing pressure on the middle nerve. Osteopathy can also help in the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome, coupled with enough rest from hand work, hand stretching exercises, and the application of proper hand posture and wrist orientation when working.

For further information or to consult with one of our skilled osteopaths, you can use the Contact Us or Appointment Request buttons at the top or bottom of this page, call us at 03 , or drop us a visit in our clinic directly. Osteopathy Diagnosis and Treatment Our osteopath will do an evaluation through questioning and diagnostic examinations so he or she can determine what levels of treatment will be provided on the patient.