Repetitive Strain Injury is the term used to describe a group of injuries affecting the muscles, tendons and nerves primarily of the neck and upper limbs. It is an umbrella term and is also known as Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD).
There are two types of Repetitive Strain Injury:-
- Specific Named Conditions -
these include tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome,
bursitis, tennis elbow, De Quervain's Syndrome, etc.
- Diffuse Repetitive Strain Injury - this is where there is no clear-cut diagnosis but a range of symptoms exist. Sometimes it is known as non-specific pain syndrome.
The symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury include aches, pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, weakness and cramps. With diffuse Repetitive Strain Injury there are usually no visible signs.
Repetitive Strain Injury is not usually caused by accidents as such but by a combination of overuse and repetition, awkward or static posture and insufficient recovery time. Stress is often a factor. It can afflict workers in many different jobs and give rise to legitimate claims for personal injury.
- Computer users may have
personal injury claims when facing repetitive keyboard
tasks, awkward gripping and twisting movements whilst
using a mouse or poor posture with a lack of attention
to the design of work stations for people of different
sizes. Insufficient rest breaks are often a factor.
- Checkout Cashiers face similar
difficulties giving rise to claims for personal jury
to computer users completing repetitive tasks usually
under pressure. They often work in cramped
workstations with much repeated twisting and turning
during the course of a working day.
- Construction workers
performing repetitive tasks with vibrating equipment.
The level of risk is increased when there are
insufficient rest breaks and temperatures are low.
These types of jobs generate a larger number of claims
for personal injury.
- Production Line workers
working under stress at speeds dictated by machine.
Working with arms outstretched or overhead puts joints
and muscles under particular strain. Women working on
conveyor belts designed for men. All of these
situations imply fault on the part of another and
would give rise to claims for personal injury.
- Clothes and garment manufacturing. Cloth cutters, manual sewers, pressers, sewing machine operators and home workers have been identified as particularly at risk and, therefore, potentially, able to make claims for personal injury arising out of situations in which there is no accident as such.
Repetitive Strain Injury is a type of personal injury which is preventable and treatable. It is vital not to ignore the early warning signs.
If you
have any of the symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury, you should take action on prevention. If symptoms persist take seek treatment.
Treatment can include different therapies depending on the condition. Physiotherapy, medication in the form of anti inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants, immobilization and steroid injections to alleviate pain and chiropractic and osteopathy. In the more serious cases, surgery may be the only effective treatment.
Please feel
free to contact us on a no obligation basis when we will be able to advise as to whether you may have a claim for personal inury arising ourt of Repetitive Strain Injury.
