|
Repetitive Motion Disorders Synonym(s): Reviewed 12-27-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What are Repetitive Motion Disorders?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What are Repetitive Motion Disorders? Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are a variety of muscular conditions that result from repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or other daily activities. RMDs may be caused by overexertion, incorrect posture, muscle fatigue, compression of nerves or tissue, too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion, or friction caused by an unnatural or awkward motion such as twisting the arm or wrist. Over time, these conditions can cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body?such as the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. RMDs can occur in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, back, hips, knees, feet, legs, and ankles, however, the hands and arms are most often affected. Generally, RMDs affect individuals who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work. The disorders may also affect individuals who engage in activities such as carpentry, gardening, tennis, and lifting children. RMDs may include such conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, epicondylitis, ganglion cyst, tenosynovitis, and trigger finger. Symptoms of these disorders may include pain, tingling or numbness, visible swelling or redness of the affected area, and loss of flexibility and strength. For some individuals, there may be no visible sign of injury although they may find it hard to perform easy tasks. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
National Chronic Pain Outreach Association
(NCPOA)
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Provided by: |