Tampa Repetitive Trauma Lawyer
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common reasons for why people lose work time. Examples are carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist and often seen in office workers who are typing frequently, and epicondylitis, which is an irritation of the tissue that connects the forearm with the elbow and can be caused by a wide variety of manual labor. Many musculoskeletal disorders are the result of repetitive motions and are better known as repetitive trauma, cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, or repetitive stress injuries. If you believe you are suffering from a work-related repetitive stress injury, you should seek the expertise of a Tampa repetitive trauma lawyer.
Common Symptoms of a Repetitive Stress Injury
WebMD lists the two most common types of repetitive stress injuries as tendinitis and bursitis. While each injury’s specifics depend on what body part was injured and what the motion was that caused it, repetitive trauma has common symptoms across the board that should raise alarms. They include:
- Swelling;
- Throbbing sensation;
- Numbness;
- Pain;
- Weakness;
- Tingling; and
- Sensitivity to temperature changes.
What Causes Repetitive Trauma
Repetitive trauma is most common in the upper body, affecting the thumbs, fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. However, it can occur anywhere in the body under the wrong conditions. For instance, prepatellar bursitis is nicknamed housemaid’s knee because it can be caused by long periods of time kneeling such as while cleaning a house. Other causes of repetitive trauma include:
- Working on an assembly line;
- Typing;
- Grasping tools;
- Maintaining an abnormal posture for long periods of time;
- Lifting heavy objects;
- Stepping up and down stairs such as to get into a delivery truck; and
- Other activities that are repetitive in nature.
Treatment for Repetitive Use Injuries
If caught early on, a repetitive use injury may only require physical therapy and some accommodations at work to ensure it doesn’t continue. Other treatment options include wearing a splint, doing hot and cold compresses, or taking medication. Should the problem be more severe, a doctor could suggest steroid injections or surgery. Prevention at work will also be crucial. Depending on the injury, more frequent breaks, a different posture, or ergonomic tools could ease your pain when you return to your job. Seeking medical attention for your injuries will help you find the best path forward. Filing a workers’ compensation claim will help cover the costs and make sure you get proper accommodations for your injuries while on the job.
Contact a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If you are experiencing pain as a result of repetitive trauma at your job, it is time to take action. If you continue to work under the same conditions without treatment, your injury will likely get worse and you will lose your chances at a full recovery. Let the workers’ compensation lawyers of the Tampa law office of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian help you. Contact us at 813-279-2686 today to schedule a free consultation.
