It’s common to perform repetitive motions at work, at home, or in recreational activities. However, repetitive motions can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI). RSIs are a type of injury that can occur from repetitive movements and overuse. These injuries can be excruciating and debilitating, and often require the care of an orthopedic doctor.
No matter what type of RSI you have, follow your orthopedic doctor’s instructions and take care of yourself during recovery. Most people can fully recover and return to their normal activities with proper treatment. Here are some of the most common orthopedic injuries caused by repetitive motions:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and hand, leading to the wrist’s median nerve compression. This condition causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects people who always type, use a mouse, or do assembly line work. It also affects athletes who often use their wrists in sports, like golfers, tennis players, and weight lifters.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a rope-like structure that attaches muscle to bone. One of the areas most commonly affected by it is the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles and heels. The condition causes pain, swelling, and tenderness around the injured joint and usually affects athletes, workers, and adults over age 40.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushions bones and tissues. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness, which manifest around the affected joint. Bursitis commonly affects people who repetitively perform kneeling tasks, such as carpet cleaners or plumbers.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to bones in the elbow. This condition results from repetitive wrist and arm motions that overload the joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially on the outer side of the affected elbow. In addition, the injury often involves the dominant arm.
Tennis players commonly sustain this condition. However, tennis elbow can also affect other athletes and people who repetitively use their elbows, like carpenters.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition in which the finger is locked in a bent position. Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger symptoms include pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected finger. The injury commonly involves people who repetitively use their hands for manual labor, like carpenters and mechanics. It also affects athletes who repetitively use their hands, such as tennis players and golfers.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are an inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bones in the lower leg. They may cause pain, swelling, and tenderness along the shinbone, which you may feel down to just above your ankles. Shin splints are common for people who repetitively run, jump, or exercise on hard surfaces. Some examples of athletes who usually experience shin splints are runners, basketball players, and dancers.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive impact or overuse of the affected area. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected bone. Usually, stress fractures affect people who repetitively jump or run long distances. Like with shin splints, runners, basketball players, and dancers are examples of athletes who commonly experience stress fractures.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the joints or tendons and cause pain, swelling, and tenderness around the cyst. This condition commonly affects people who repetitively use their wrists and hands, like carpenters and mechanics. It also affects athletes like tennis players and golfers.
If you think you may be suffering from an RSI, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
Orthopedic Doctor Near You In Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, & Fulton, MD
Repetitive strain injuries are a type of orthopedic injury caused by repetitive motions or overuse. Symptoms usually include pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area. RSIs commonly affect workers or athletes who perform specific movements repeatedly. If you observe RSI symptoms, consult your orthopedic doctor.
If you’re looking for an orthopedic doctor near you in Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, and Fulton, look no further than The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. We have a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained providers who can attend to your orthopedic needs. If you want to know more about our services, you may call our friendly staff at (410) 644-1880. If you want to book a consultation, you may use our online appointment request form.
We also have physical therapy clinics in Clarksville, Ellicott City, Jessup, and Westminster. We look forward to serving you!
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