Repetitive motion can do a number on your joints. This is part of why ergonomics are so important: the right alignment for your body and workspace, stretching, and taking breaks can help prevent repetitive strain injury.
If you have a problem area — a joint that tends to suffer from repetitive strain issues — it’s not unheard of to have a flare-up from time to time. Maybe it’s been so long since you experienced symptoms that you overdid it. Maybe a new task is aggravating an old injury.
When an old injury comes back to life, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain and manage the problem.
First and foremost — if you can — stop doing whatever it is you’re doing that is causing you pain. Find another way to do the task if you have to be the one doing it, or find a way to share the work.
There are a few ways to manage the pain. Over the counter pain relievers are quick and easy. You can also use heat or ice — if you are experiencing swelling in the affected area, ice can help relieve the swelling. However, sometimes heat feels better than ice on an injury… so do what feels best. Or if you like both, alternate!
Note: sometimes, heat can increase inflammation. So if you notice any swelling in the affected area, it may be best to avoid applying heat.
Gentle stretching before using the affected area can help prevent a repetitive strain injury — or keep it from getting worse. A gentle massage might also help relieve pain.
One last thing: do what the doctor told you. My doctor has me wear wrist braces overnight to help ease my repetitive strain injury. Maybe your doctor gave you certain stretches to use, or a brace to wear (and instructions on when to wear it).