What is it? RSI describes injuries to muscles, tendons or nerves supposedly caused by the repeated movement of a particular part of the body. It often involves the arm or neck. Working on a computer appears to increase the risk of developing RSI, but no causal link has been proven.

What are the symptoms? They vary, but include pain and throbbing, initially only during a particular activity such as typing. There may be a loss of sensation or strength in the affected area. Diagnosis can be controversial, not least because the term RSI describes a broad spectrum of conditions. Indeed, RSI itself has not been formally recognised as an industrial injury in the UK, albeit some RSI-related conditions have, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Others, such as trigger finger have not.

How is it diagnosed? If the injury does not fall into a recognised category, it is known as non-specific RSI. This is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means it is applied once other possible causes have been ruled out.

What is the treatment? Current advice is not long-term rest but to alter the movement that causes the pain: sufferers may benefit from ergonomic evaluation at work. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy can also help in severe cases. For more information on RSI visit NHS Direct or www.rsi.org.uk .

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