“Can my repetitive strain injury be treated with arthroscopy?”

It is not the first course of action. Usually, RSD’s can be treated by activity modification, braces, physical therapy and medications rather than invasive procedures, including arthroscopic ones.

Ron Noy, MD

It depends on what is strained, what treatment you have done, what kind of work and recreation you do, etc. You need to see an orthopedic surgeon to discuss your options. I recommend someone with fellowship training in sports medicine, or a specialist in the particular part of your body (hand, foot/ankle, shoulder/elbow) that is injured.

It depends on the actual diagnosis. Generally, strain injuries can be treated with arthroscopy, but it's just temporary if it is for arthritis.

Repetitive strain Injuries include problems with a number of structures. Arthroscopic interventions are most effective for injuries that are within the knee, shoulder or elbow joints. You did not say where you were experiencing symptoms-what joint or structures were involved. What has been tried previously is important and how certain is the specific diagnosis? Non-operative and injection treatments are usually indicated for repetitive strain injuries before any type of surgery.

Kevin Jon Lawson, MD