International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day – February 28, 2025

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day is observed every year on February 28, or February 29 if it’s a leap year. This year, it takes place on . This day is set to educate people about repetitive strain injuries. The day is celebrated by health care professionals and caretakers to help their patients prevent and recover from such injuries. Repetitive strain injuries are a type of injury that occurs when an organ is hurt due to constant movements and overuse. These types of injuries are common in sportspersons and are not unlikely to be found in other people too. With care and attention, such injuries can be recovered from and completely prevented.

History of International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day

International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day was founded by Catherine Fenech. She has always advocated for better workplace safety in Canada. She launched the first celebrations in 2000 and chose February 29 as the only non-repetitive day on the calendar. During non-leap years, International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day is observed on February 28.

You can recognize repetitive strain injuries from symptoms. If you often experience pain, stiffness, throbbing, tingling, weakness, and cramping in a particular body part, you are most likely to be suffering from repetitive strain injuries. Those who work in jobs where they repeat the same motions several times a day are likely to suffer from a repetitive strain injury. Up to two million workers have been known to suffer repetitive strain injuries in the U.S. in a year. People can recover from these injuries by taking time off from work and undergoing proper treatment.

In many cases, workers suffering from repetitive strain injuries are eligible for medical benefits. However, this doesn’t come cheap. In America, beneficiaries may have to bear costs of up to 20 billion dollars a year to help workers treat repetitive strain injuries. In most cases, repetitive
strain injuries in the workplace are caused by poor structuring in the workplace — this means workers who do not take recommended breaks, sit on uncomfortable chairs, or work in uncomfortable postures are likely to suffer from repetitive strain injuries. Medical professionals believe that one should never ignore or aggravate repetitive stress injury. This results in long-term consequences and patients must seek medical help as soon as repetitive strain injuries are diagnosed.

International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day timeline

1700

The First Description

Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini first describes this type of injury.

1854

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

British surgeon James Paget identifies the syndrome.

1857

Telegraphic Paralysis

Repetitive stress injuries are noticed in employees at telegraph offices.

1900

The Percussion Test

Neurologist, Jules Tinel, invents the “Percussion Test” to detect injury in the median nerve.

International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day FAQs

What are the three main causes of repetitive strain injury?

The three main causes of repetitive strain injury include engaging in repetitive activities that result in strains, doing a high-intensity activity for a long time without rest, and poor posture or awkward positions.

What are the six symptoms of R.S.I.?

Symptoms may include, pain, tightness, dull ache, throbbing, numbness, and tingling.

Is a repetitive stress injury irreversible?

Mild repetitive stress injury can cause pain and weakness and may be reversible if properly treated and if a person avoids the tasks that caused the injury. However, more serious cases may be irreversible if left untreated for too long.

How to Observe International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day

Attend a seminar
Attend a seminar, lecture, or public health workshop to mark the occasion of International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day. You can also ask your workplace to organize an awareness drive.
Ensure your workplace has good ergonomics
To prevent repetitive strain injuries, check whether the ergonomics at your workplace are good. Ideally, the ergonomics should comply with helping in good posture and preventing injuries and strains.
Get yourself checked
The best way to observe International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day is by getting yourself checked if you have been experiencing chronic pain. Timely medical care is essential to healing such injuries.

5 Facts About Injuries That Will Blow Your Mind

Spinal cord injuries are very common
Every 41 minutes in the U.S., there is a case of spinal cord injury.
Paralysis is more common than you’d believe
One in five people suffers from paralysis in the U.S.
New records
Studies show that for every second, an American gets injured; and for every three minutes, a person succumbs to death by a preventable injury.
Strains are the most common injury
Studies reveal that because we use multiple muscles and tendons for activities, strains are more likely to occur.
Sports can cause spinal cord injuries
In fact, sports account for 7% of all spinal cord injuries.

Why International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day is Important

It encourages a healthy lifestyle
International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day encourages a healthy lifestyle by promoting lifestyle practices that can heal and prevent repetitive stress injuries. This day allows us to acknowledge the various causes of the injury and how to avoid them.
It makes getting treatment easier
International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day can help patients and caretakers pool resources and lead each other to communities that help better understand the complications and treatments for repetitive stress injuries.
It promotes safer workplaces
International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day also promotes safer and healthier workplaces by ensuring that workplace devices are ergonomic and workers are given their recommended breaks. It encourages employers to take more care in ensuring a healthy and safe work environment for their employees.