article_snippet: RSI is an umbrella term for pain in the muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and over-use.
article_snippet: Typical RSI conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve in the wrist becomes compressed.
article_snippet: Since there is no test for RSI, diagnosis is usually made on the basis that the condition developed following a repetitive task and is relieved by resting from the condition.
article_snippet: But experts warn that the term RSI is increasingly being used as a blanket diagnosis, and could mask other more serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes and even Parkinson’s disease.
article_snippet: That’s because the early signs of each of other more serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes and even Parkinson’s disease are so similar to RSI that doctors often consider RSI first.
article_snippet: ‘the term RSI is really very vague,’ says Professor Tony Kochhar, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
article_snippet: The consultant says that when RSI is suspected, and particularly where there is pain but no sign of injury, such as inflammation, swelling or problems with nerve function, this should be the starting point of investigations to pin down the root cause.
article_snippet: The consultant says that once the specific cause has been worked out, each individual condition that may be put under the umbrella of RSI is ‘absolutely treatable’.
article_snippet: However, the term “RSI” is so nebulous, treatment is very varied depending on the root cause of the pain.
article_snippet: In fact, I think the term “RSI” should be banned.