Most work-related injuries are often associated with single, life-altering accidents like being struck by a moving object or a bad fall. However, sometimes, being hurt at work does not necessarily involve a single incident.
Some workplace injuries result from the daily activities you do at work. These injuries are known as repetitive stress or strain injuries (RSIs), and they build up over time thanks to the nature of your work. Left untreated, these injuries can result in damage to the muscles, tendons and nerves. Repetitive stress injuries can also be caused by an improper work posture.
What are the different types of repetitive stress injuries? Here are a few of the most common:
Carpel tunnel syndrome
Also known as median nerve compression, this injury develops when pressure is exerted on the median nerve that runs the length of the arm through to the wrist. Carpel tunnel syndrome is symptomized by numbness, tingling or weakening of the worker’s hands. Left untreated, the victim may suffer a permanent injury to the affected muscle and nerves. It is important that you see a doctor as soon as you notice that these symptoms are interfering with your work or sleep pattern.
Tendinitis
Also known as tendonitis, this injury occurs when there is an irritation or inflammation of the tendon – the connective tissues between the bones and the muscles. Depending on the severity, tendonitis can be short-term or chronic. While this type of injury can occur on any tendon within your body, they are quite common around the elbows, shoulders, knees, wrists and heels. Activities that are likely to result in tendinitis include gardening, woodwork, painting and scrubbing.
Rotator cuff injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are quite common among workers whose jobs require repeated overhead motions such as carpenters and painters. Workers with rotator cuff injuries can manage their symptoms and resume their daily chores with physical therapy. However, more severe injuries may require specialized treatment.
Repetitive stress injuries are some of the most common injuries you can sustain at the workplace. If you are experiencing the symptoms of these injuries, it is important that you seek treatment as soon as you can while exploring your available legal options. Steven Morgan is a local attorney who believes in aggressive representation for all his clients. Call us today to learn more: 912-289-0640.
