Dr Ranj Singh has highlighted a lesser-known health issue that could be more prevalent during the chillier months. The 45-year-old medic appeared on BBC Morning Live on Thursday, October 31 to discuss what he termed as a group of related conditions impacting various parts of the body.
“RSI – repetitive strain injuries – is kind of like this umbrella term we use to describe a collection of different conditions that affect things like your muscles, your joints, your tendons, your nerves,” he explained. “[It’s] usually caused by repetitive movement or strain but can even happen if you’ve had poor posture or have compressed a certain part of your body.”
Dr Singh noted that while it’s particularly common in individuals who engage in sports like golf or tennis, desk workers are also at risk, especially those with poor sitting habits which can ‘result in problems’. “In colder weather we tend to get a bit more stiff and that can exacerbate stiffness and exacerbate pain, also in colder weather we tend to change the way we hold ourselves and move and we may restrict ourselves more,” Dr Singh also warned.
“That might actually make you more prone to getting RSI because you’re changing the way you’re moving.” Five key symptoms are associated with RSI, according to the NHS.
The symptoms are:
Importantly, there are also two types of RSI. The first, or Type 1, refers to well-defined syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist. On the other hand, Type 2 RSI is characterised by symptoms that don’t match any well-defined syndromes.
Patient explains: “Also, there are no objective or measurable signs such as inflammation, swelling or problems with nerve function. It is sometimes called diffuse RSI or nonspecific pain syndrome.”
While both types of RSI signs may develop in numerous different parts of the body, they are very common in the elbows, shoulders, forearms, wrists, hands and fingers. The NHS even points to hairdressers, decorators and assembly line workers as likely sufferers too.
Generally, symptoms get better on their own with time, but there are a few things you can do to aid your recovery. Taking pain killers, frequently using ice or heated pads on the affected area, and keeping active are among the remedies recommended by the NHS.