Overuse syndromes of the upper extremity in interpreters for the deaf

Fourteen of 80 interpreters (18%) for deaf students at a national center on deafness sought medical care for painful conditions of the upper extremity; 11 others (14%) had less severe or transient symptoms. The conditions were brought on by repetitive use and were relieved by rest. All represented overuse syndromes. Tendinitis, fasciitis, synovitis, and nerve entrapment were encountered most often. Conservative treatment (eg, physical therapy, splinting, medications) was of little or no value. Only rest relieved symptoms. Surgery was rarely indicated. The most reasonable approach to treatment would, therefore, seem to be prevention. Suggested methods for avoidance of pain include limiting the duration of interpreting sessions, technique modification, and resistance exercises to increase endurance.