Repetitive motion in the wrist can also put you at risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Somewhat similar in symptoms to RSI, this condition occurs when too much pressure is put on the median nerve in your wrist. This is one of the main nerves into your hand, which provides feeling to your thumb, index, and middle fingers (via Cleveland Clinic). Enough pressure on this nerve can cut off the sensation to your hands and fingers, which is the most common symptom.
The median nerve sits within the carpal tunnel, which also houses tendons that connect muscles in the forearm to the bones in your hand. Unlike RSI, you can develop CTS from many factors, including your family history, arthritic diseases, hypothyroidism, and even pregnancy.
Another condition with a similar root cause (i.e. repetitive motion) is De Quervain's Tensosynovitis. Named after the surgeon who discovered it in the late 1800s (via Geisinger), this condition is more localized to the "thumb side" of your wrist, and results in pain whenever you attempt to grab things or make a fist. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of this condition isn't known, but it's most likely caused by repetitive activities like gardening, playing sports, or even lifting a baby.
