Wrist/Finger Extensor Strain or RSI

Overuse injuries of the wrist and forearm not only subject the tendons of the forearm to overload but can also result in repetitive strain to the muscles which are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers.

This type of injury is often grouped together with other diagnoses such as carpal tunnel syndrome and lateral epichondylitis to describe Repetitive strain Injuries or Cummulative trauma disorder that frequent the workplace.

The cumulative trauma arises from repetitive fine hand movements which take place during activities such as typing. Longterm, this repetitive activity strains the muscles and tendons of the forearms, wrists, and fingers, causing microscopic tears.

As a result of tearing, the muscles bleed and subsequently, the muscles will become adaptively shortened and contracted. Overtime, further injury secondary to overuse will result in additional scarring and inflammation which in turn may have a knock on affect to the associated tendons and neighbouring nerve supply which may result in a gradual reduction in sensitivity in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome) and pain.

Treatment for Wrist/Finger Extensor Strain or RSI

One of the key elements in treating wrist and finger extensor strain is deciphering what activities have taken place to initiate symptoms in the first place. Often the patient has a history of prolonged computer use but despite overuse of the forearm muscles, often it is a faulty technique which has perpetuated this injury. Therefore often improvements can be made in the patients typing technique as well as workstation ergonomics to relieve some of the tension on the forearm musculature.

Another factor which needs to be considered is the patients posture. Improving your posture at your desk will help reduce further overload and strain. For additional information regarding correct workstation setup, please visit our posture page

At our London based chiropractic clinic, our hands on treatment will focus on improving the flexibility in the forearm along with postural education and exercise prescription. Evidence to support this type of treatment can be found below:

• Konijnenberg HS, de Wilde NS, Gerritsen AA, van Tulder MW, de Vet HC. Conservative treatment for repetitive strain injury. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2001 (Oct); 27(5): 299-310.

If you would like any further advice regarding wrist/finger extensor strain, please  contact us at the EC2 clinic.

In addition, our chiropractors are also well qualified to advise on ergonomics and often visit workplaces to conduct display screen assessments (DSE)