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Keytools brief introduction to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and Tendonitis - three of the more common conditions labelled under the general heading of RSI.
 
Information on RSI / Common Conditions Associated with RSI
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One of the most common and well-known forms of RSI is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve at the wrist. The median nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel (an area surrounded by the wrist bones and the traverse carpal ligament-the membrane that holds the bones together). The carpal tunnel is stiff, so swelling of any of the tissues in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).
It is this swelling and entrapment of the nerve that leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. Once the initial swelling occurs, unless corrective action takes place, further injury is likely as the swelled nerve is further compressed in the carpal tunnel.
 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The Thoracic Outlet is located in the shoulder region just behind the collarbone. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is associated with numbness, tingling, pain and/or weakness in the arm and hand. It is due to tension being inflicted upon the nerves or blood vessels that supply the arm. Tight muscles, ligaments, or skeletal irregularities in the thoracic outlet region bring about this pressure.
 

Tendonitis
Tendons are the thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to bone. They function to transmit the power generated by a muscle contraction to move a bone. Tendinitis occurs when there is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. It can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of coordination in the relevant region of the body. It is most commonly brought about by injury or overuse particularly if the suffer has bad posture, or uses the affected limb in an awkward position.

A specific form of tendinitis that is seemingly prevalent in the office environment is deQuervain's Disease. It is an inflammation of the tendons associated with control of the thumb. It is believed by some that excessive use of the thumb, for example, in some trackball use may result in "tendinitis" where there is pain and swelling along the back of the wrist on the thumb side. This can lead to stiffness, soreness and a loss of mobility in the thumb.

Another form of tendinitis thought to be present in the office environment is Stenosing tenosynovitis; colloquially known as "trigger finger". Trigger finger occurs through overuse of the tendons in the fingers responsible for the bending and stretching of the fingers. When these tendons swell, it must squeeze through the opening of the tunnel (flexor sheath) which causes pain and stiffness in the fingers. Once again, as with many other forms of overuse injury once the swelling has occurred the area is more susceptible to further injury due to the increased size of the swollen area.
 
For additional information on RSI, please visit the RSI Awareness site.
 
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