Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) can manifest itself in many ways and RSI symptoms can vary widely but typically RSI is a progressive condition which can be divided into three broad stages of symptoms. Please note that not everybody follows this path and thaat RSI progression and symptoms can be different in individual cases.

Diagnosis

It is essential that you do not try to diagnose yourself using the RSI symptoms detailed below. ALWAYS consult a health professional.

Stage 1 RSI Symptoms

Early symptoms of RSI can include any or all of the following:

• Pain
• Aching
• Tiredness
• These can affect the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs during work

These symptoms improve overnight or when the problem activity is deceased.

Note that this stage may last weeks or months, but is generally reversible. Prompt action is required however as RSI can quickly progress to Stages 2 or 3 which can be much more serious and harder to treat

Stage 2 RSI Symptoms

Intermediate symptoms of RSI can include any or all of the following:

• Pain
• Aching
• Tiredness
• Physical signs such as swelling or redness
• These can affect the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs during and after work

These symptoms are similar to Stage 1 Symptoms but are more severe and generally occur earlier in the working day. They can also linger into the night causing lack of sleep.

Note that this stage may several months, but is again generally reversible. Prompt action is required however as RSI can quickly progress to Stage 3 which can be much more serious and harder to treat and have a long lasting impact on your life.

Stage 3 RSI Symptoms

Symptoms of pain, aching, weakness and fatigue are experienced even when person is resting completely. Sleep is often disturbed and the sufferer may be unable to carry out even light tasks at home or work. This stage may last for months or years. Sometimes it is irreversible and the person never gets back full use of the affected part of their body.

This stage of RSI is hard to treat and emphasises the importance of catching the condition early and doing something about it.

Don't panic

Please remember that most people with RSI don't get to this level of symptoms. It is usually caught and treated early enough to avoid the long-term issues that this page mentions.

So do something about it NOW! Go and see a health professional immediately.

Symptoms of the Repetitive Strain Injury Condition 'Tendonitis' include the following:

• Applying pressure to the tendon causes pain (this is often the first RSI symptom to develop)
• Range of movement is impaired (e.g. not being able to fully extend the arm)
• Pain when moving the affected area
• Tendons can be swollen or lumpy

Repetitive strain injuries can affect many parts of the body and can manifest themselves via various symptoms. If your work / leisure activities involve a repeated gripping action and your fingers sometimes make a clicking noise or get stuck in a bent position you may well be exhibiting symptoms of the RSI ccondition known as 'Trigger Finger'

This occurs when some of your finger tendons gets inflamed and thickens,and then catches on the tendon sheath at the base of your finger. Trigger Finger usually affects your middle or ring finger or the thumb (Trigger Thumb!)

Typical Symptoms of this RSI condition include:

• clicking noise when you move (or try to!) your finger
• finger locks in a bent position
• soreness at the base of your finger
• soreness in palm when moving the finger/thumb
• soreness in your finger
• sore finger when gripping

The symptoms of the RSI condition 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' vary significantly. The symptoms tend to deterioriate over time unless action is taken. Symptoms incclude

• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Burning feeling in the thumb/fingers
• Pain in the hands
• Pain in the wrists
• Lack of strength
• Swelling of the hand
• Symptoms can sometimes be exaggerated at night