overuse strain injury
carpal tunnel syndrome
repetitive strain disorder
repetitive strain injury
tendinitis
tennis elbow
trigger finger

    (Or "repetitive strain injury", RSI, "repetitive
   strain disorder") Any tendon or muscle injury resulting from
   overuse, usually in the hand, wrist, or arm.  Injury may be
   caused by any combination of repetitive, unacustomed, or
   prolonged movements, forcefulness, or an awkward position
   (often due to bad ergonomics).  The symptoms are pain,
   tingling, weakness, numbness, swelling, cracking, stiffness,
   or reduced coordination.

   Common conditions are:

   Carpal tunnel syndrome, where swelling of the membrane linings
   in your wrist surrounding the tendons that bend your fingers
   compresses the median nerve.  This may result in numbness and
   pain in the hand, arm, shoulder, and neck.

   Tennis elbow, where rotating your wrist and using force causes
   a form of epicondylitis.

   Tendinitis, where unacustomed exercise or repeated awkward
   movements inflame wrist, elbow, or shoulder tendons, often
   leading to severe stiffness.

   Trigger finger, a popping or catching sensation when you bend
   your finger, wrist, or shoulder.  This form of tenosynovitis
   is caused by repetitive hand movements.

   To prevent the condition worsening, treat the pain with heat,
   cold, or aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium; rest; or
   immobilise the injured area with a splint or bandage.  See a
   doctor.

   Amara's RSI information
   (http://amara.com/aboutme/rsi.html).

   RSI links from Yahoo
   
(http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Repetitive_Strain_Disorder/).

   Guide to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
   (http://sechrest.com/mmg/cts/).

   CTS from Yahoo
   
(http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/Carpal_Tunnel_Syndrome/).

   (1999-10-03)