This material is copyrighted. Any unauthorized use of this work is prohibited by law and will be vigorously prosecuted. If you wish to republish this material with attribution, contact copyrights@rsihelp.com for royalty rate information.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for many separate ailments affecting the hand, wrist, arm, neck, upper back, and shoulder. Medical professionals also use the phrases "occupational overuse injuries" or "cumulative trauma disorders" for this condition, which can result from intensive hand use (see risk factors for RSI).

Symptoms of RSI include numbness, tingling, lack of endurance, tremor, clumsiness, lack of sensation, a feeling of heaviness and pain. These warning signs can appear anywhere along the hand, arm, shoulder or neck.

Muscles, tendons and nerves can all be affected. Common injuries include: carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, DeQuervain's disease, trigger finger, bicipital tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, Raynaud's disease, and others.

– Deborah Quilter