You may have never heard the term “repetitive motion disorder” before, but it is very possible that you have felt its effects.
Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are found most commonly in people who work doing repetitive tasks or motions. These may include assembly line workers, musicians, and people who spend long periods of time working on a computer.
RMDs include aliments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis and trigger finger.
RMDs are usually caused by performing a repetitive motion without enough of a break in between the movement. They may also be caused by poor posture, unnatural movements, muscle exhaustion and overexertion.
People with RMDs might experience pain, tingling or numbness in the affected part of the body. There may be redness or swelling, but more often the symptoms are not visible.
RMDs can eventually cause serious permanent damage to the body’s soft tissues. This includes a person’s muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments.
Treatment for RMDs may involve rest, using a cold compress and taking medication to relive pain. Some suffers may need splints or physical therapy. In the worst cases, surgery may be necessary.
RMDs can make it difficult and even impossible to do some normal tasks, often including work tasks. In order to recover from these ailments, workers will need to collaborate with their employers to make sure they have time to rest certain muscles between tasks.
For workers unable to continue working, workers’ compensation benefits may be available. If you are denied benefits an attorney can assist you in an appeal to help ensure you receive the benefits you need to recover.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS Repetitive Motion Disorders Information Page
For more information please visit our Harrisburg repetitive stress page.