Swiping, tapping, pinching, clicking, and dragging are associated with which condition?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Tendonitis
• D. RSI (Repetitive strain injuries)

Answer: (D)

Repetitive Strain Injuries describe injuries to muscles, tendons, and nerves caused by repeated motions of the hands and arms. The gestures listed—swiping, tapping, pinching, clicking, and dragging—are exactly the kinds of repeated actions people perform with touchscreens and computer mice. When these motions are done frequently, especially with awkward angles or insufficient breaks, tissues can become irritated or strained, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the hands, wrists, or forearms. This makes RSI the best fit for describing the pattern shown by these activities. While arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis are related possibilities that can arise from repetitive use, RSI is the broader category that captures the all-too-common pattern of repetitive upper-limb strain from device interactions.