Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) develop slowly, over time. Quite often, they’re work-related injuries that are directly tied to the motions a worker has to make over and over again to do their job.
Once an RSI develops, it can be quite debilitating. That’s why it is so important to seek medical care for a suspected RSI as soon as you develop any kind of symptoms.
What causes repetitive stress injuries?
There are dozens of activities that could lead to repetitive stress injuries, such as:
- Lifting objects into place
- Moving your hands and arms above your shoulders
- Assembling products with similar movements
- Typing all day
- Using a computer mouse
- Sitting in a stationary position
- Climbing ladders
These actions could lead to many kinds of injuries as well. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a problem so that you can focus on healing rather than pushing the injury until it is past the point of repair.
What are some common repetitive stress injuries?
Some common repetitive stress injuries are:
- Tennis elbow
- Tendinosis
- Tendinitis
- Tenosynovitis
- De Quervain’s syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
All of these injuries have the potential to make it impossible to work. Some of them are easier to recover from than others, depending on how long those injuries have been present and how severe they are.
What should you do if you start having joint pain or weakness at work?
If you’re having pain or weakness that seems to be related to what you’re doing at work, let your employer know. You should see a medical professional for an exam.
If it turns out that you do have a repetitive stress injury and need to take time off work for rehabilitation or other medical treatments, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should kick in and allow you to cover your lost wages and medical bills as you focus on your recovery.