The Basics of Repetitive Stress Injuries

September 13, 2012

The Basics of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries are one of the most common work injuries in the U.S. The causes of repetitive stress injuries include repeat trauma to a specific body area, friction, or a systemic disease such as arthritis. While RSIs generally come on gradually, without treatment these injuries can get worse and ultimately result in a complete loss of function in the affected area.

RSIs (also known as repetitive motion injuries, or RMIs) can stem from any repeated action such as using a computer at work, moving boxes or driving a cab or truck for a living. Perhaps the most commonly known RSI is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but RSIs also encompass Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain's Syndrome and others:
-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: is a painful hand and wrist condition. It is caused by a pinch in the wrist at the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway that protects the main nerve to the hand and its nine tendons in the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes pain, tingling and numbness and prevents hand movements.
-Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: occurs from a pinched nerve at the ulnar passageway in the elbow. It can cause numbness and tingling at the little fingers and is made worse when pressure is put on the elbow, such as when typing or talking on the phone.
-DeQuervain's Syndrome: occurs through inflammation of the tendons on the wrist near the thumb. DeQuervain's syndrome can make it painful to turn the wrist, make a fist or even to just hold something.
-Tendinitis and Bursitis: Tendinitis occurs when a tendon, which connects muscle to bone, becomes inflamed. This usually occurs at the insertion point of the tendon to the bone, most commonly in the shoulder, elbow and biceps. Bursitis involves bursae, which are sacs that reduce friction in between tissues. Similar to tendinitis, bursae can become inflamed through repetitive motion and usually occurs in the elbow, knee and hip.

Anyone who believes he or she has a repetitive stress injury should consult a doctor regarding treatment.

Workers' Compensation and SSDI

Many RSIs are caused or are made worse through repetitive work movements. Workers who suffer from an RSI may be able to obtain Workers' Compensation to pay for lost wages, medical expenses and other costs derived from the injury. In addition, if the repetitive stress injury results in a total disability, depending on other additional factors, the person may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain's Syndrome or other repetitive stress injury due to your work, contact an experienced Workers' Compensation attorney to discuss your legal options.

Article provided by Terry Katz & Associates, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.terrykatzandassociates.com