A repetitive stress injury is a condition where pain and other symptoms occur in an area of the body that has done repetitive tasks (often arms or hands).

Treatment includes stopping the task (if possible), improving the work environment and other measures such as rehabilitation. Two of the most common repetitive stress injuries are tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tennis elbow is a condition that results in deterioration of the tendon fibers that attach to the bone at the outside of the elbow, while carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tissues surrounding the tendons in the wrist swell and put pressure on the median nerve. Tendons are strong fibers that attach muscles to bone. Both are very painful, but there are some tips to manage repetitive strain injuries.

Join Scott McDermott, MPA, OTR/L, occupational therapist with St. Luke’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, for a free presentation – “OUCH! Managing Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Stress Injuries” on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 1 – 3 p.m. in the St. Luke’s Hospital Library.

The talk is free, but space is limited, so call 828-894-2408 to make your reservation.

Light refreshments will be served.

– article submitted by Jennifer Wilson