Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Some workplace injuries develop gradually over time, including carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendinitis. These health problems tend to affect employees whose job responsibilities require repetitive movements. Manufacturing employees, warehouse laborers, construction workers, and office workers who use computers daily are just a few examples of the people most likely to be affected by these types of work-related injuries in San Jose.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Your wrist has a narrow passageway. Tendons, ligaments, and the median nerve run through this passageway to the hand, which allows for the movement and sensation of the hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there isn’t enough space in the tunnel. This exerts pressure on the median nerve, which causes gradually worsening symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Loss of grip strength
• Weakness

Normally, to secure workers’ compensation for an injury, it’s necessary to report the incident right away. But it may not be immediately clear that carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries arose from the workplace. Err on the side of caution and consult a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you realize your symptoms may be connected to your job.

Bursitis

Your joints are complex structures made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They also have bursae, which are small sacs filled with fluid. A bursa sac provides cushioning for the joint, but it can become inflamed and irritated. Usually, bursitis affects the shoulder, elbow, and hip. It causes symptoms such as:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Achiness
• Stiffness
• Pain

Employees who do repetitive movements are more likely to suffer bursitis. Trauma can also increase the risk, which is why people who kneel for prolonged periods to install flooring may develop bursitis of the knees.

Tendinitis

As the name suggests, tendinitis affects a tendon. It involves inflammation and irritation, which causes pain near the affected joint. Most often, tendinitis affects these areas:

• Shoulders
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Knees
• Heels

Tendinitis can cause swelling, tenderness, and an achy, dull pain that can worsen with movement. It’s possible to develop tendinitis because of an acute injury, but employees are more likely to develop it because of repetitive movements. Patients with tendinitis require rest to heal, which may necessitate some time away from work.