Repetitive Strain Injuries Can Keep You from Working

Repetitive Strain Injuries Can Keep You from Working

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury borne of the overuse and repetitive motion inherent to performing certain physical tasks. While nearly any kind of work can lead to an RSI, industries like manufacturing, construction work, healthcare, and clerical work are especially vulnerable. If you’ve suffered an RSI on the job, you need the professional legal guidance of an experienced Kansas workers’ compensation attorney.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

RSIs are related to repetitive movement over time that gradually leads to an injury. An RSI can cause extreme pain, swelling in the affected area, numbness, and even permanent nerve damage. Ultimately, an RSI can be physically debilitating. Common forms of RSIs include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist that can lead to numbness, pain, and decreased mobility.
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve in the forearm that leads to forearm pain and weakness in the hand.
• Rotator Cuff Injury – A rotator cuff injury is an injury to the muscles and tendons of the shoulder that culminates in a constant, dull ache. 
• Bursitis – Bursitis refers to a painful inflammation of the small sacs filled with fluid that cushion the tendons and muscles near the joints.
• Trigger Finger – Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, and it refers to the painful inflammation of a finger’s tendon. The affected finger can become stiff or even lock when it is bent or straightened. 
• Loss of Hearing – Loss of hearing is related to overexposure to loud noises on the job. 

The Overall Effects of Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries are usually slow to develop, which means they can be extremely deceptive. Many sufferers slowly acclimate to the effects of the injury until they are unable to keep up with the pain and deleterious effects. This means that RSIs can become more serious and more difficult to treat before they are diagnosed. Although RSIs are often acquired on the job, such an injury can negatively affect every part of your life and can be seriously disruptive – including disrupting your ability to do your job. 

Common general symptoms related to RSIs include:

• Pain, numbness, tingling, discomfort, and/or burning or shooting pain in the affected area
• Overall fatigue
• Lack of strength in the affected area
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks that you used to manage easily, such as preparing food, dressing yourself, or opening car doors

If You’ve Suffered a Repetitive Strain Injury on the Job, You Need an Experienced Kansas Workers Compensation Attorney on Your Side

RSIs often come on slowly but can have dramatic negative effects. If you’ve suffered an RSI on the job, the dedicated legal team at Pyle Law in McPherson, Kansas, is committed to helping you obtain the compensation necessary to achieve your fullest recovery. Attorney Tom Pyle is a fierce advocate of injured workers like you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (888) 381-1155 for more information today.