After an On-the-Job Injury, LA Orthopedic Group can get you back to work safely and pain-free.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly 3 million non-fatal on-the-job injuries in the United States each year. Any of the most common workplace injuries may eventually require a specialized approach to treatment that goes beyond rest and home remedies.
- Injuries can be acute with sudden and severe pain
- Other injuries place stress on bones and soft tissues and become progressively worse over time
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Overexertion Injuries
Ranked as the top on-the-job injury in the United States, overexertion injuries occur when someone makes an attempt is made to perform a task beyond their physical capabilities. Doing so may result in sprains and strains, joint injuries, spine-related pain, and muscle tears. These work-related injuries may be caused by:
- Carrying heavy items for long periods of time
- Lifting boxes overhead
- Sitting, standing, bending, or twisting in awkward positions
Falling Injuries
Work-related falling injuries can occur from having something fall on some part of the body or if balance is lost while standing or walking to perform certain tasks. Falling injuries affecting bones, tissues, and nerves may also involve falling from heights, as may be the case when falling off of a ladder. On-the-job falls can sometimes be prevented by using protective gear or equipment and taking proper safety precautions while working on elevated surfaces.
Reaction Injuries
Caused when an employee slips or trips without falling, reaction injuries can result in minor aches and pains that go away with heat and ice applications or some rest. When these injuries are serious, however, employees may experience severe muscle or soft tissue damage, especially if muscles or joints are stretched beyond their normal range of motion in an effort to keep from falling or slipping.
‘Walking Into’ Injuries
Head, knee, neck, and foot injuries are among the most common type of injuries that may result from walking into something at work or while working. “Walking into” injuries happen when employees accidentally walk into tables, chairs, glass windows, walls, or any other hard surface. Keeping work environments free of hazards can help prevent injuries like this.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Whether it’s typing on a computer or working with the same types of tools, there are many work-related tasks that involve repetitive movements that can place stress on joints and muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support joints. Common injuries of this nature include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bursitis
- DeQuervain’s syndrome (affecting two tendons of the thumb)
- Dystonia (writer’s cramp)
- Ganglion cyst (affecting tissues surrounding joints)
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (affecting the lower neck and armpit)
The goal with the treatment of most on-the-job injuries is to get the patient to a point where it’s safe to return to work, which is often accomplished with a combination of medications, physical therapy, rehab, and, when necessary, surgery. The ability to do so will depend on the type of work-related duties normally performed. For instance, with occupations where repetitious movements and heavy lifting are involved, it may be necessary to modify activities as much as possible or use devices such as back-support belts to minimize the risk of re-injury.