One of the most common conditions developed in the workplace, repetitive strain injury comes from repeated movement in one particular part of the body. Also known as repetitive stress injury, it is this repetition that places undue stress on muscles, tendons and nerves, and often occurs in the wrists and hands as a result of working with computers.

There are many forms of repetitive strain injury. RSI manifests itself in many ways through numerous repetitive activities. Due to the nature of most work, repeated movements in almost any part of the body are common and almost all can cause harm. The onus is on your employer to minimize risk, and to ensure that you are properly trained in assuming the correct posture or position for the nature of your work.

The most common type of RSI injury is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage running along your wrist, which is made up of small bones and tissue. It contains the median nerve and works as a pulley for the tendons that work to bend the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when these tendons develop sheaths from performing small, repetitive movements, which swell and place increased pressure on the median nerve, the nerve that controls sensation and movement in the hands. This leads to disabling pain and tingling in the thumb and the first two fingers.

If you feel that these symptoms sound familiar to your own, and you are concerned that they could have been caused as a direct consequence of your employment, you may be able to make a claim against your employer.

If you wish to discuss your personal situation further with experts in the field of industrial diseases, contact us today for professional help and advice. You can call us and speak to a member of our team on 0800 1123 256, text ‘contact’ to 80011* or select ‘Make a claim’ above.