Repetitive Strain Injury Types (Part II)

Intersection Syndrome

Intersection syndrome is a repetitive strain injury type that often is confused with DeQuervain’s syndrome. It’s a painful repetitive strain injury type that occurs when muscles within the forearm overlap with wrist tendons.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury type that is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. Those with a case of cubital tunnel syndrome experience compression of the ulnar nerve which is located within the elbow.

Cubital tunnel syndrome cases may result in a limited range of motion of the elbow, as well as a feeling of burning and numbness present within the elbow.      

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is also a repetitive strain injury type that is similar to DeQuervain’s syndrome. In a case of trigger finger, the sheath surrounding the tendons of the thumb becomes swollen or a type of nodule becomes present on the tendon.

These two types of afflictions can cause the tendon of the thumb to be unable to move through the sheath, causing cracking sounds when motion occurs and often causing pain when bending the digit.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Pain in the nerves and blood vessel around the brachial plexus and axilla (between the base of the neck and the armpit) is caused, unlike most conditions that make repetitive strain injury, by compression of blood vessels.

The subclavian artery and vein are the two blood vessels that most commonly get compressed to cause this condition, although the vertebral artery and the nerves that make up the brachial plexus can also become compressed.

Compression is caused by the body’s position due to repetitive movements. The condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome because it is found in the thoracic region of the body.

There are many things that you can do in order to decrease the likelihood that you will be personally affected by one of these cases of repetitive stress injuries. First and foremost, it’s important to pay attention to the muscles and the joints that you regularly use within your life.

You need to make sure that you don’t overuse these delicate areas, so be sure to take breaks when in the middle of repetitive motions. If you begin to feel pain or fatigue in any body part that you are using to perform a task, take it as a warning sign and step back from the activity.

Also, make sure that you are using good posture (Ergonomic Seating), as it can be a great preventative measure when it comes to lessening the chance of developing a repetitive strain injury.

More often than not, the inflammation and the swelling of the affected area can be reduced using non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. In all cases, resting the affected area of the body is of the utmost importance, with most doctors recommending at least 2 weeks of rest.

Surgery may be necessary to correct the problem in the event of an advanced case of repetitive stress injury. Luckily, most repetitive stress injuries surgeries are outpatient surgeries which require little down-time.