Repetitive motion injuries must be properly handled

Some people do the exact same thing over and over for their entire shift at work. These individuals might eventually suffer from repetitive stress injuries. Unlike some other injuries, these might take a while to show up when they exist.

You may notice that your work is starting to slip when you are suffering from a repetitive motion injury. This, along with the pain, can make it difficult to do what you need to do to earn a living. This is when you may need to consider filing for workers’ compensation.

Progressive injuries with increasing pain

Repetitive stress injuries are progressive in nature. The damages that occur to the tissues and structures in the impacted area become worse over time. This means that the pain might become worse as the damage increases. Your ability to move the affected area might become more difficult. Unlike injuries that result from an accident, it is often difficult to pinpoint when a repetitive motion injury occurred.

Various areas can be impacted

Just about any area on the body can be impacted by a repetitive motion injury. The most common tissues that are damaged are the tendons. This can lead to trigger finger or tennis elbow. Carpal tunnel syndrome, knee injuries and back injuries are also possible. All of these can lead to temperature sensitivity, pain and stiffness.

Don’t put off getting treatment

You should seek medical care as soon as you think something is amiss. Some workers try to put off getting treatment because they think that the injury will just heal on its own. This likely isn’t the case with a repetitive strain injury. Often, these injuries need physical or occupational therapy, medication and other treatment protocols in order to heal properly. Extreme cases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, might require surgery to begin to heal.

Preventing repetitive stress injuries

Many repetitive stress injuries are preventable. Using proper movement techniques, ergonomic aids, and stretching can all help you to avoid them. When employers don’t take steps to help prevent these injuries, employees can suffer the consequences of that decision.

While it isn’t impossible to show that an injury occurred due to working conditions, you might have to be able to tie the injury to your work duties if you make a workers’ compensation claim. If you do file a claim and it is declined, you might decide that you need to file an appeal. The benefits that workers’ compensation coverage provides can help you to get medical care and to pay your bills if you are eligible for partial wage replacement.