subject: 3 Types Of Repetitive Motion Strains That May Warrant A Workers Compensation Claim [print this page] When we think about what kind of injury would lead to us picking up the phone and dialing the number of a competent workers compensation attorney, the first thing that often comes to mind is personal injuries that are the result of a sudden accident, like falling off a ladder or having a horrible accident with some type of machinery. We rarely think about the effects our work has on our body over timeand in many ways, men and women who choose careers that are hard on their bodies take it as a given that their body will suffer wear and tear and begin to break down in certain places.
The truth is, however, that repetitive motion strains are not something you should simply have endure at your own expense, and they should not be a given in any industry.
There are 3 types of repetitive motion strains that we find a lot in different work environments. They are carpal tunnel syndrome (probably the most well known), tendonitis, and bursitis.
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This type of repetitive motion injury occurs specifically in the wrist, and it happens when the wrist becomes swollen and begins to put unnatural pressure on a nerve. It may be severe enough to not only affect the wrist but to also cause pain and weakness in the upper arm and shoulder, especially late at night. This type of injury can cause problems for weeks or months, but in some cases it leads to a lifetime of suffering.
Over the lifetime of a sufferer, carpal tunnel syndrome can become very expensive, requiring lots of time off work and high medical costs. That said, while the condition is often found in industrial workers of a wide variety, there are also many victims who are genetically disposed to the condition and it may not be work-related. It's a debate that rages on around the world.
2. Tendonitis
This injury is characterized by an inflammation of the tendon and is generally caused by a repetitive movement that is unnatural or simply carried out to the point of being extreme. This can be from cutting vegetables over a long period of time with a knife that isn't sharp enough, writing for days and days on end, or sports activities.
In most cases, tendonitis is a temporary afflictionunless it is caused by some other underlying problem, in which case, it may return often. Typically, some time off to heal as well as taking anti-inflammatory medication and applying ice will alleviate the problem, but that still could mean time off work and significant financial loss.
3. Bursitis
A strain that occurs in your joints, bursitis is the result of small sacs of synovial fluid, which allow muscles and tendons in your joints to slide across bone in a frictionless manner, become inflamed. It typically happens in the elbows and knees as the result of repetitive action, but it can also be caused by a sudden physical trauma.
If any of these injuries are giving you problems, it can really take a toll not only on your body but on your wallet. And in some cases, when the repetitive motion injuries are the result of poor working conditions or unlawful demands on employees, such as not being given enough breaks on the job, than the case may become even more serious, becoming a criminal offense on behalf of the employer.
Don't dismiss aches and pains as a given with your work, and if you have developed one of these types of injuries or conditions as a result of your labor, it may be time to contact a competent Worker's Compensation Lawyer.
