Overuse Injury Claims: Protecting Yourself On the Job
Many of us have jobs which require us to bend, stretch, lift, or perform certain types of tasks repetitively. Whether you work in a factory, a retail establishment, or in an office building, these repeated activities have the potential to cause health problems, making you eligible to pursue overuse injury claims. If you do get hurt, workers’ compensation benefits are available to help offset the medical costs and lost wages you suffer.
Common Types of Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries often involve the soft tissues located throughout the body, which provide support for the bones and joints. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), these injuries can occur suddenly or develop slowly over a period of time. Improper lifting, bending at certain angles, stretching and reaching for objects, or even sitting in the wrong position at your keyboard can all make overuse injuries more likely to occur. Common types of overuse injuries include:
Sprains: These result from stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tissues connecting the bones throughout the body;
Strains: These involve stretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons, which are fibrous cords connecting muscles to bones;
Tendonitis: This involves inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the tendon or its protective covering that occur due to a series of small stresses;
Bursitis: This results from inflammation of the bursae, which are the fluid filled sacs which act as cushions between the bones and soft tissues.
Common areas of the body impacted by the above injuries include the muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, knees, and feet, along with the joints in the wrist, knees, and elbows.
Treatment for Soft Tissue Injuries
When you experience pain in a certain area, whether it is at the end of a long day or as the result of a certain movement or activities on your job, it is important to seek medical attention for it right away. While many people attempt to ‘work through’ these types of painful conditions, the fact is you may only be making it worse. The AAOS advises doing the following:
Visit your doctor, who can run tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CAT scan to determine the specific type and location of an injury.
Recommended treatment usually involves rest and avoiding strenuous activities.
Elevating the injured area and applying ice can help to relieve swelling.
Pushing yourself will likely only make the condition worse, and could result in the need to for more intensive treatments, including surgery.
You should make sure it is noted in your medical file that the injury is work-related. You will need this documentation for any overuse injury claims you may file through the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Get Help Today
Job-related injuries can have long-ranging impacts on your ability to work or enjoy activities with your loved ones. Whether you are hurt on the job or just need help with overuse injury claims, contact the Surasky Law Firm, LLC for help in getting the benefits you deserve.
