When you go to work each day, you may not consider the ways that your job could bring you harm. Your work may not be risky or even physically demanding, but it is possible that you could still experience an injury while in your North Carolina workplace. Work-related injuries are often the result of a one-time event, but it is possible that some work injuries develop slowly and over time. This is often the result of doing the same motion again and again.
Repetitive strain injuries are those that occur because you must repeat the same motion in order to do your job. Lifting, typing or moving a certain way again and again can eventually take a toll on your body, and you could find yourself with lingering pain and difficulty doing your job as you did in the past. These types of injuries are very common, but that does not diminish the serious impact it can have on your life.
Common types of repetitive strain injuries
Repetitive strain injuries are more than an inconvenience. While these may not be devastating injuries, they can impact your work, and you could experience ongoing pain, limited range of motion and other side effects. There are different types of RSIs, and they can develop in different parts of the body, depending on the nature of your work. Examples include:
- Tendonitis — This is an inflamed tendon, typically near a joint where it connects to the muscle.
- Bursitis — These are sacs of fluid that develop on bones and tendons that have become inflamed and irritated.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — This develops from lingering pressure on the nerves and tendons in the hands, causing swelling through the carpal tunnel.
These injuries are not always immediately apparent, but they often accompany tingling, pain, limited range of motion, tenderness in different parts of the body, loss of feeling, loss of coordination, loss of balance and other problems.
The recovery you need
This type of injury can negatively impact your life in many ways. If your RSI developed as a result of your job, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Through your claim, you may be able to secure recovery of your lost wages, payment of your medical bills, physical therapy and even assistance getting back to work. An evaluation of your injuries and other details of your situation can provide insight into the options you have.