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Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can affect the neck, shoulders, upper back, upper arm, elbows, forearms, wrists, thumbs or fingers. Warning signs of RSI can appear in any of those areas.
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Lack of endurance
- Tingling, numbness or loss of sensation
- A feeling of heaviness
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty opening and closing hands
- Stiffness
- Difficulty using hands (turning pages of books or magazines, turning doorknobs or faucets, holding a coffee mug)
- Reluctance to shake hands
- Difficulty carrying things or holding bus or subway poles
- Hands fall asleep
- Waking up with wrist pain or numb hands, especially during early morning hours
- Lack of control or coordination
- Cold hands
- Frequent self-massage
- Difficulty buttoning clothing or putting on jewelry
- Tremors
- Avoidance of activities or sports that were once enjoyable
- Pain or soreness (RSI is not always painful, though)
– Deborah Quilter
If you experience any of these warning signs of RSI, see a competent physician immediately.
For more information about the warning signs of RSI, how to select a doctor and various treatment options, see The Repetitive Strain Injury Recovery Book, by Deborah Quilter (Walker, New York 1998).
Except where specifically noted, all contents of this site copyright © 1996 - 2003 Deborah Quilter. All rights reserved.