Repetitive strain injury is also known as repetitive stress injury which is characterized as strains in musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal system includes muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bones and tendons so that repetitive strain injury may be possible in any part of our body. Generally repetitive strain injury affects our neck, arms, wrists, hand and shoulder. It is commonly found in computer workers.

Causes and symptoms:

Repetitive strain injury happens when muscles get tensed due to overuse of them.
Heavy exercises, repetitive movements of fingers, continuous strains and stress on hand, arm muscles, over use of muscles and bones of any body part are the main causes for happening repetitive strain injury. Indirectly physical condition, environmental factors, social and psychological factors are the reason of repetitive strain injury. in sufficient rest, wrong posture, disorganized workstation are some other risk factors of repetitive strain injury.

What are the symptoms of repetitive strain injury? Answer of this question will be according to affected part of our body but some are common symptoms:

- Affected body part becomes tight.
- Stiffness on affected body part
- Difficulty in movement of injured area
- Pains and swelling on affected area
- Difficulty to perform any task
- Dysfunction

Prevention and treatment:

How can we handle repetitive strain injury? Answer is that:

- Should take drugs like ibuprofen and gabapentin for remove swelling and pain relief.
- Self massage treatment is really helpful to reduce severe pains
- Some light exercise may be used to remove strain from muscles
- Soft Tissue Therapy should be applied for proper blood circulation.
- Surgery is the option that should be followed in severe cases.

Following are some precautions to avoid repetitive strain injury:

- Should take regular breaks while doing same work
- Should avoid heavy exercise
- Should check body postures regularly
- Our work station should be comfortable