Repetitive Motion Disorders

A category of musculoskeletal conditions known as repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are brought on by repetitive motions during routine work or daily activities. The disorders are brought on by excessive repetitions of an activity or action, unusual or awkward movements including twisting the arm or wrist, overexertion, bad posture, or muscle weariness. Some examples of repetitive motion disorders are-

RMDs can affect the neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles, however they normally only impact the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. The following signs and symptoms set the illnesses apart:

• Loss of flexibility and strength
• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Visible swelling or redness of the afflicted area.

Some people may have no apparent signs of injury, yet they may have difficulty performing relatively simple tasks. RMDs can result in tissue compression or temporary or permanent damage to the body's soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

RMDs commonly affect those who work on an assembly line, at a bar, packing meat, stitching, playing an instrument or on a computer. The disorders may affect people who engage in activities like tennis, gardening, and carpentry. The motions that cause symptoms must be reduced or stopped as part of the treatment.

• Allowing the affected area to rest during breaks.
• Practising breathing and stretching exercises.

Applying ice to the injured area will help to reduce pain and swelling, as will using painkillers, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Splints may be helpful to reduce muscular and nerve pressure. Aches and pains in the muscles and joints can be reduced with physical therapy.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Some firms have created ergonomic programmes to assist employees in adjusting their work pace and arranging office equipment to minimise issues. Most people with RMDs heal completely and can avoid re-injury by modifying how they do repeated motions, how frequently they perform them, and how long they rest between movements. RMDs can result in irreparable harm and loss of function in the affected area if they are not treated.

RMDs can induce symptoms due to muscle exhaustion, local inflammation and edoema, or nerve tissue compression. RMD examples include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome- Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the wrist's smaller tunnel of bones and ligaments impinges on the nerves in the fingers and the muscles at the base of the thumb.
• Bursitis: An inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between a tendon and the skin or a tendon and the bone.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the tendon.
• Epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside of the upper arm close to the elbow is known as tennis elbow (epicondylitis).
• Ganglion cyst: This occurs when the tissues surrounding a joint, generally the wrist, become inflamed and swollen with fluid.
• Tenosynovitis: An inflammation of the tendon's sheath's interior lining.
• Trigger finger: A finger that snaps, locks, or clicks, either painfully or not.

It should be noted, however, that all of the disorders listed above may have other origins and arise in the absence of repetitive activity.

Who Is Subject to RMDs?

A RMD can be obtained by anyone who engages in repetitive activities. Certain occupations and activities, for example, include:

• Assembly line work
• Meatpacking
• Sewing
• Musical instrument playing
• Typing on a computer (or, in the case of youngsters, playing video or computer games)
• Carpentry
• Gardening
• Sports like tennis or golf
• Lifting children

What are the Signs of RMDs?

The following symptoms could be brought on by one or more of these illnesses:

• Finger, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, neck, or back pain or stiffness
• Loss of flexibility and strength; Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers; Visible swelling or redness of the affected area.
• Some people may have no obvious signs of injury, yet they may have difficulty performing simple tasks.

Injuries induced by repetitive activities usually develop gradually over time. Initially, the symptoms may be moderate and intermittent. However, if the symptoms are not treated, they can become excruciatingly painful and even incapacitating.

RMD Treatment

The first step in treating RMD is to decrease or eliminate the movements that are generating the symptoms.Other treatments may include:

• Splints to ease muscular and nerve tightness.
• To reduce swelling and discomfort, painkillers, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory medications are administered.
• Physical treatment to strengthen muscles and ease muscle tension and soreness in order to help prevent further injuries.
• Using ice to relieve discomfort and swelling.
• Surgery may be required in rare circumstances to assist ease symptoms and prevent lasting harm.

Prevention RMDs can be avoided.Use the following helpful hints to lower your chance of a repetitive motion injury:

• Take a break: Allowing your body to rest will help you avoid overuse of muscles.
• Do some exercise: Stretching and relaxing exercises can aid in the development of strength, mobility, and range of motion, as well as the prevention of future injury.
• Examine the posture: orrect posture during any activity aids in the alignment of the elbow, wrist, hands, and spine during repetitive actions.
• Employ suitable methodology: Overreaching, stretching, and twisting should be avoided.
• Wear protective equipment: Wear protective equipment and maintain a well-designed workstation. Check that your office or work equipment is at the right height and distance for you to do your job securely and comfortably.

Maintain Your Health

Avoiding RMDs is important if a person is working in a job or often participate in hobbies that need repetitive motions. Rest, regular exercise, and appropriate technique are all essential for avoiding injury. Consult the doctor if the person are suffering any of the symptoms.