Repetitive strain injury syndrome (RSI syndrome) – colloquially called mouse arm or secretary’s disease – (synonyms: repetitive stress injury; cumulative trauma disorder (CTD); occupational overuse syndrome (OOS); secretary’s disease; ICD-10 M70. 8: Other soft tissue diseases due to stress, overuse, and pressure) summarizes complaints in the arms that arise due to repetitive (repetitive), uniform motion. This means that there is a chronic overuse and misuse, usually of one arm. The shoulders and neck are also frequently affected. The symptoms can be assigned to muscles, tendons, ligaments or even nerves.Colloquially, the RSI syndrome is called mouse arm, because a common cause is the daily operation of the computer mouse as well as the keyboard.
The RSI syndrome occurs very frequently. Approximately 60% of people who work at a computer for more than three hours a day complain of non-specific complaints in the upper extremities. More precise figures on the prevalence (frequency of illness) do not yet exist.
Course and prognosis: The earlier the first signs of repetitive strain injury syndrome are correctly interpreted, the sooner the affected person can exert an influence through appropriate behavior modification. The syndrome starts slowly and unnoticed. At first, it is noticeable by an occasional pulling or tingling sensation, e.g. in the finger. In the advanced stage, even small, repetitive movements in everyday life, e.g. ironing, steering movements when driving a car, lead to pain. Ultimately, the symptoms can also occur at rest.The symptoms of RSI syndrome vary widely, which often makes it difficult to diagnose.
Only a prolonged interruption of the triggering movements, usually of several weeks, will cause the RSI syndrome to subside. However, it often recurs after resumption of activity. In the long term, the affected person must (have) the conditions at work changed, as well as his movement pattern. This is the only way to prevent chronification.
In the USA, Australia and Canada, repetitive strain injury syndrome is already recognized as an occupational disease.
