Repetitive Strain Injury Claims
What is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is not a recognised medical condition in its own right. It is a collective term used to describe a range of separate injuries thought to be caused by repetitive movements or overuse. RSI can affect the muscles, tendons and nerves and is usually associated with injuries to the hands, wrists and arms.
RSI can sometimes be diagnosed as Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD).
Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)
Work related upper limb disorder (WRULD) is a general term used to cover a group of musculoskeletal conditions which affect the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand. The terms repetitive strain or stress injury (RSI) are frequently used to describe such conditions.
There are also specific conditions affecting the upper limbs which may be work-related if it can be shown they are due to occupational overuse. These conditions usually occur in adults of working age.
Some conditions are well defined with accepted diagnostic criteria, recognized risk factors and well established medical management. Other conditions, in which there is non-specific forearm or upper limb pain, are less well defined.
Specific Upper Limb Disorders
These include:
• Tenosynovitis (including De Quervain’s Syndrome)
• Trigger finger or thumb
• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Vibration induced white finger / Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cramp of the hand (Writer’s Cramp)
• Medial Epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
• Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Tendonitis
Non-Specific Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULD)
A significant number of individuals with upper limb pain and dysfunction do not show signs which are easily recognised or fit with a definitive diagnosis.
You may have pain which is not localized to one area and the pain may move from one area to another and be of a very indeterminate nature. Examination may often identify very little in the way of objective abnormality. The diagnosis is made when other specific conditions have been ruled out.
It is one of the commonest work related upper limb complaints but estimates of its prevalence vary widely. Other features which may be present include loss of function, weakness, cramp, muscle tenderness, burning and non-specific paraesthesia, and often a feeling of swelling.
All these conditions may occur independently of the workplace although they may occur in the workplace as a result of:
• Repetitive finger, hand or arm movement which occurs during typing, squeezing, hammering, pushing or pulling;
• Excessive force required to undertake an activity;
• Poor posture because of badly designed work stations;
• Awkward movements because of poorly designed tools
Who can be affected with RSI?
Work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) are widespread across a range of industries and jobs.
Any type of work that involves an individual using their arms to carry out tasks can potentially lead to WRULD. Computer use and assembly work are frequently associated with WRULD but there are many other tasks that have high risks (e.g. using power tools, factory assembly line workers, meat and poultry preparation etc).
Can RSI be treated?
The initial conservative treatment for RSI usually includes painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. However, acupuncture, physiotherapy and osteopathy can be treated and in the more severe cases surgery is the final option.
If you have symptoms or RSI it is important that you get treatment quickly. Prompt treatment can often avoid prolonging the condition or the more serious treatment options.
If you think you have suffered from repetitive strain injury caused by the work you do and feel this may have been caused by the negligence of your employer you may be entitled to make a ‘no win no fee’ compensation claim.