Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that manifests as pain, numbness, and tingling particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of ring finger. It occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. A repetitive strain injury, also known as repetitive stress injury is caused by repetitive overuse of the muscles, tendons, or nerves resulting in their damage.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Definition:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that manifests as pain, numbness, and tingling particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of ring finger. It occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. 

Causes:

Increased pressure or edema in the wrist can result in compression of the median nerve which causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

Risk factors:

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects females more than males. It can be hereditary in nature. Risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome include pregnancy, wrist fractures, history of arthritic disorders like gout, and osteoarthritis, presence of hand deformities, hypothyroidism, diabetes, hemodialysis, tumor in the wrist region, alcoholism, and old age. 

Symptoms:

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, and paresthesia, particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of ring finger. The condition impairs the functions of fingers and hinders actions like holding, grasping objects, writing, and typing. Long-term carpal tunnel syndrome causes atrophy of the thenar muscles. 

Diagnosis:

Physical test findings like Tinel’s test which produces tingling in fingers on tapping the median nerve and wrist flexion test aid in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. X-rays of the wrist, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies may also be needed to evaluate the severity of the syndrome.

Treatment:

Nonsurgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome are using a wrist splint, warm compresses, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and using corticosteroid injections. The main resort of treatment is surgery which involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to release the pressure on the wrist.

What is repetitive strain injury?

Definition:

A repetitive strain injury, also known as repetitive stress injury is caused by repetitive overuse of the muscles, tendons, or nerves resulting in their damage.

Causes:

Repetitive motion or activity can cause repetitive strain injury. Examples of such are exercising heavily without warming up, vigorous sports activities, poor posture throughout the day, constantly using vibrating tools, and working in cold conditions. 

Symptoms:

Symptoms of a repetitive strain injury include pain, edema, discomfort, tingling, paresthesia, muscle rigidity, and intolerance to cold or heat.

Diagnosis:

A repetitive strain injury is diagnosed via history, physical examination, and tests like X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Treatment:

At home, treatment of repetitive strain injuries includes following R.I.C.E which is rest, ice application, compression, and elevation. NSAIDs are prescribed to relieve pain.

Difference between Carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI

Definition:

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that manifests as pain, numbness, and tingling particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of ring finger. It occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist. A repetitive strain injury, also known as repetitive stress injury is caused by repetitive overuse of the muscles, tendons, or nerves resulting in their damage.

Causes:

Increased pressure or edema in the wrist can result in compression of the median nerve which causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive motion or activity can cause repetitive strain injury. Examples of such are exercising heavily without warming up, vigorous sports activities, poor posture throughout the day, constantly using vibrating tools, and working in cold conditions. 

Symptoms:

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain, and paresthesia, particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of ring finger. The condition impairs the functions of fingers and hinders actions like holding, grasping objects, writing, and typing. Long-term carpal tunnel syndrome causes atrophy of the thenar muscles. Symptoms of a repetitive strain injury include pain, edema, discomfort, tingling, paresthesia, muscle rigidity, and intolerance to cold or heat.

Diagnosis:

Physical test findings like Tinel’s test which produces tingling in fingers on tapping the median nerve and wrist flexion test aid in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. X-rays of the wrist, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies may also be needed to evaluate the severity of the syndrome. A repetitive strain injury is diagnosed via history, physical examination, and tests like X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment:

Nonsurgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome are using a wrist splint, warm compresses, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and using corticosteroid injections. The main resort of treatment is surgery which involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to release the pressure on the wrist. At home, treatment of repetitive strain injuries includes following R.I.C.E which is rest, ice application, compression, and elevation. NSAIDs are prescribed to relieve pain.

Table of differences between Carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI

FAQs

What does RSI in hand feel like?

RSI in hand is a painful sensation in hand muscles along with numbness, tingling, swelling, and stiffness.

What are the five symptoms of RSI?

Pain, edema, discomfort, tingling, paresthesia, and muscle rigidity.

Does RSI cause carpal tunnel?

Yes, RSI can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

How to tell the difference between wrist tendonitis and carpal tunnel?

Wrist tendonitis causes severe pain when making a fist with fingers covering the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome manifests as pain, numbness, and tingling particularly in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and lateral half of ring finger.

How do you fix RSI in your hand?

At home, treatment of repetitive strain injuries includes following R.I.C.E which is rest, ice application, compression, and elevation. NSAIDs are prescribed to relieve pain.

How long does it take for RSI in hand to heal?

About three to six months.

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