Common Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries Suffered On-the-Job
When your job involves performing the same hand motions, body movements, or work tasks over and over, it can lead to severe and even permanent physical injury. These are collectively known as repetitive motion injuries, repetitive stress injuries, or repetitive strain injuries. These can be temporary or permanent, and can have “flare ups” (chronic recurrences) that can make it difficult to find a job or maintain gainful employment.
All Types of Workers Can Suffer Repetitive Motion Injuries
Injuries from performing repetitive work can affect many parts of the body, injuring muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and spinal discs. Nearly any occupation can cause a repetitive stress injury that is covered by workers’ compensation, including:
- Physically demanding jobs. Firemen, factory workers, and people in any other occupation that takes significant physical strength and agility can pose a risk of occupational injury. Even if these workers do not suffer an accident on the job, they can still suffer rotator cuff tears from reaching overhead, back injuries from lifting heavy loads, or knee injuries due to kneeling or climbing stairs.
- Moderate physical work. People who work in jobs that require prolonged standing, such as line cooks or police directing traffic, can suffer painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Customer service representatives and cashiers can suffer significant injuries, despite rarely lifting heavy loads.
- Sedentary occupations. Even employees whose work is not physically challenging can suffer repetitive strain injuries. Office workers commonly suffer hand and eye strain, back injuries from prolonged sitting, and carpal tunnel syndrome due to typing for hours on end.
Repetitive stress injuries can be extremely painful, and can reduce a worker’s range of motion and ability to earn a living for the rest of his life. Physical therapy may be needed to help workers raise their arms over their heads or touch their toes, while others may require costly surgery or occupational therapy. If you have experienced a workplace injury, we can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C. by using the form on this page.