How to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries Any person who participated in sports as a kid or who continues to lead an active lifestyle is familiar with the danger of repetitive strain injuries (RSI), more commonly known as stress or hairline fractures. Different from compound fractures typically due to an abrupt force applied to the bone, these fractures develop over time due to repetitive motion and frequent stress on the bone. Whether developed through repetition in athletic pursuits or as the cause of the daily tasks you move through at your job, these injuries, if left untreated, can become major problems and may after some time prove completely debilitating.
Recognizing Stress Fractures This type of injury can be difficult to diagnose at the beginning. Frequently the affected area merely becomes tender and sore during use and can be mistaken for muscle soreness. As time passes and the injury worsens with repetitive use, pain becomes chronic and can eventually cause an individual to have to rely on heavy medication to handle the pain. Diagnosing a stress fracture requires a visit to your physician. These fractures are often quite small (they’re called hairline for a reason) and difficult to locate with precision. Most fractures of this nature are not visible with a simple x-ray and must be examined by a CT scan, an MRI, or a 3-phase bone scan.
Treating Stress Fractures The treatment process for stress fractures depends somewhat on the severity of the injury, among other factors. One of the best things you can do when you think you may have a stress fracture is to take a close look at your diet. Healthy nutritional intake plays a vital role in your body’s ability to heal and handle the stress you place upon it. Working to strengthen your muscles is a great way to relieve some of the stress you are placing on your bones. As your muscles get stronger, they have a greater ability to handle the bulk of the weight and stress applied to your frame over the course of a day. If you need to, work with a trained professional to help you understand how to move your body in a way where you are using your muscles more than your bones.
If your injury is complicated and/or caused by repetition at work, approach your employer or even your medical health insurance provider to find out about what ergonomic solutions may be available. The science of ergonomics is based on the reconstruction of the workplace to better fit the physical limits of the human body. Something as simple as getting a brace or an ergonomic keyboard can make a huge difference in your healing process. Keep weight off the injury and work to minimize additional stress due to overuse of the limb or joint that is affected. Do some research and find out about other resources and remedies that may be available to help your body heal. Ultimately stress fractures take time and patience to heal and return to full strength and capacity. Photo Credits: janheuninck, Rennett Stowe