So, first we use terminology from a previous era such as 'tenosynovitis". most conditions thought to be a tenosynovitis 50 years ago when we look at the histology are not a tenosynovitis. They are actually a degenerative condition of the tissues. So trigger fingers, De Quervains, tennis elbow, rotator cuff problems are all degenerative conditions which are frequently associated with each other and possibly related to changes in the type of blood supply to the tendon and tendon sheath. They are extremely painful when they occur. tennis elbow we know for certain is a self limiting condition which should be treated with reassurance and advice on lifting technique. Steroid injections actually lead to a worse long term outcome. (I suspect GPs still give these injections as they are paid per injection)
Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with BMI. There is almost a direct correlation between BMI and the risk of developing CTS along with smoking , the shape of your wrist and a couple of other factors. There may be a relationship with repetitive forceful movements. This means a 30 second cycle of movement through at least 50% of the Range of motion of the wrist whilst doing a forceful activity. however it could also be that people who do such jobs have wrist shapes that are more likely to get CTS.
Your heart is the most repetitive organ in the human body, awake or asleep with no rest it beats an average of 60 times per second for 80+ years without any inherent problem. So repetition in itself seems to be OK for body tissues.
Strain is a defined condition of elongation of a ligament beyond its ability to return to normal without some healing. In other words a high energy event. Twisting your ankle is a sprain, clicking a mouse button is not.
Injury is defined as an event that leads to an inflammatory response with characteristic pathology and processes usually ending in scar tissue. Not seen in "RSI".
RSI is a daily Mirror term and not used by responsible doctors for about 10 years or more.
