Workplace injuries are a frequent issue with over 3 million cases being reported every year. Males and females both commonly suffer from repetitive strain injury symptoms, but often the diagnosis is significantly delayed by the time they present to the medical professional. Some of the most common repetitive strain injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.
In order to pinpoint the cause of your pain and avoid making matters worse, you should look out for four symptoms including (but not limited to) your level of pain and tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. This information should help you until you’re able to consult with your doctor for a treatment plan that fits your needs.
4 Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms to Watch Out for
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Pain
With symptoms of sprains or strains, you may feel pain at the site of injury. The outcome of those injuries can vary and people often experience varying degrees of weakness. Their affected muscles, tendons, and joints likely feel strained, weak, or tight for a short period of time. For more severe pain, do not try to be active with the injured body part. Instead, seek medical attention.
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Tenderness
Pain and tenderness are similar. They both result in discomfort with or without use. Pain can hurt and result in chronic inflammation, incoherence, inability to move, and more. But tenderness is pain that occurs when you touch the injured area, which is the case with conditions such as tennis elbow.
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Swelling
Repetitive strain injuries can also include swelling. This symptom is a sign that your body is attempting to protect itself. When the body is hurt or tired, it will attract white blood cells to protect the area and inflate it in an effort to make it harder for anything harmful. This swelling can cause problems with movement, sleep, and overall day-to-day life. It can cause you physical pain as the sensitive injury reacts to the sudden changes in pressure. To limit swelling and prevent pain, keep blood flow well regulated by movement.
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Decreased Range of Motion
If your range of motion is significantly limited or you feel unbalanced due to limitations imposed by previous injuries, don't hesitate to contact a medical health professional. A decreased range of motion could point to more serious injuries, so be sure to contact your doctor for further examination if you experience serious difficulties. You could require medical intervention based on the problems uncovered by your doctor.
How to Treat Repetitive Strain Injuries at Home
Make sure to consult with a doctor as soon as possible. But you can reduce your symptoms at home until your appointment. Simple treatments including elevating and immobilizing the affected area
You can also ice your injury for 20-30 minutes regularly (two to three times daily). Use cold ice wrapped in a towel. Apply it to your injury to help reduce pain and swelling. Cold temperatures help reduce inflammation by closing blood vessels, which decreases the loss of oxygen and minimizes swelling. Using heat can also help preserve warmth and increase circulation.
Make an Appointment with Your Doctor Today
Don’t underestimate the real effects of work-related injuries. Your injuries could be holding you back from improving your health and satisfying your potential. Follow this simple advice to help you recover as soon as possible.