Repetitive motion injuries are very common. These injuries are caused by repeated motions you do over and over on a consistent basis - such as running, scrubbing a floor, throwing a baseball, and typing on a keyboard. Over time, the wear and tear of the repeated actions cause microscopic tears in the body’s tissues, and the injuries often result in inflammation, tissue damage, or muscle strain.

Common Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Common types of repetitive motion injuries include bursitis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Let’s take a look at them.

Tendinitis

A tendon is a fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons aid in the movement of joints. Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed. Common areas affected by tendonitis are the shoulder, elbow, and bicep. A common symptom of this injury is pain at the site of injury that is made worse by moving the tendon.

Bursitis

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help muscles and tendons glide smoothly over bony surfaces or ligaments. They are found throughout the body, including in the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is called bursitis.

Common areas that develop bursitis are the hip, elbow, and knee. Symptoms include pain and reduced range of motion. Swelling at the joints may also occur.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome often occurs in people who use computer keyboards or who work on assembly lines. The median nerve, which extends down from the forearm into the hand, is affected by this condition. This nerve travels through the wrist via the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve becomes compressed by inflamed and swollen ligaments and tendons in the carpal tunnel, the following symptoms can occur:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger (usually the fifth finger is not affected because a different nerve connects to it)
• Pain in wrist or arm
• Stiffness in hands (can make gripping tools difficult)
• Loss in hand strength / weakness in hand

Treatment and Prevention of Repetitive Motion Injuries

For most cases of repetitive motion injuries, rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. If these treatment options do not help your condition, you may need a splint, physical therapy, massage therapy, or steroid injections. If the pain won’t go away or becomes too bothersome, consider visiting a pain management clinic for help with a treatment plan.

If you are looking for a Las Vegas pain management clinic, contact Apex Medical Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating painful conditions. We create individualized pain management plans to help you find the pain relief you deserve.

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