Final answer:
Repetitive strain and carpal tunnel syndrome are not the same; while both can be caused by repetitive movements, repetitive strain refers to general pain from overuse and carpal tunnel syndrome specifically refers to the compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, repetitive strain and carpal tunnel syndrome are not two names for the same injury. Repetitive strain, also known as repetitive stress injury (RSI), is a general term that refers to pain in muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repetitive movements and overuse. On the other hand, carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include pain, numbness, and muscle wasting in the thumb and first two fingers, and it can be caused by repetitive use of the wrist, a tumor, or trauma.
Repetitive use of tools, like a jackhammer, could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome due to the consistent vibration and grip strength required. Other types of repetitive strain injuries include tennis elbow, jumper's knee, and swimmer's shoulder, which result from overuse of a joint leading to microtrauma and an inflammatory response. While tendinitis can also be related to repetitive movements, it refers specifically to inflammation of a tendon.