Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a common workplace injury that can have long-lasting effects. Although many people think it mostly affects administrative or data entry workers, repetitive stress injury also can affect workers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our work injury lawyers have helped workers throughout the greater New York City area get the medical care and wage replacement benefits they need after an on-the-job injury. Because repetitive strain injuries develop over time, it’s important to watch for signs and symptoms so you can receive treatment and keep your condition from worsening.
What Is Repetitive Strain Injury?
Sometimes called repetitive stress injury, RSI can affect various parts of the body, and is associated with repetitive tasks, vibrations, holding sustained or awkward positions, and forceful exertion. Type 1 RSIs include musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and mostly affect the joints, tendons, muscles, and nerves in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back. Type 2 RSI involves more generalized pain and is thought to be related to nerve damage.
Repetitive strain injury is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of conditions, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Raynaud’s disease (causes some areas of the body, typically fingers and toes, to feel cold or numb)
- Cubital tunnel syndrome (a nerve on the inside of the elbow becomes inflamed, swollen, or irritated)
- De Quervain syndrome (swelling of the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist)
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (blood vessels of nerves between the collarbone and the first rib become compressed)
- Intersection syndrome (wrist extensor tendons become stressed)
- Dupuytren’s contracture (a condition that makes it impossible to fully extend one or more fingers)
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow
- Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow
- Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger
- Radial tunnel syndrome (causes nagging pain in the forearm)
- Writer’s cramp
Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injury
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), estimates repetitive strain injury affects 1.8 million workers per year. Symptoms of repetitive strain injury may be mild at first and worsen over time. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Tenderness or pain in the affected area
- Burning or throbbing
- Weakness in the arms, wrists, and hands
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Tingling or numbness
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Muscle cramps
These are common signs of repetitive stress injury, but you may experience other symptoms specific to your condition. It’s also important to keep in mind that stress can worsen the symptoms. Treatments for repetitive strain injury include anti-inflammatory medication, applying ice and heat packs, splints, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. If you think you may have an RSI, it’s best to see a doctor sooner rather than later, as starting treatment earlier can arrest its progression and help you avoid further problems.
Preventing Repetitive Strain Injury
The best way to prevent or stop a repetitive strain injury from getting worse is to discontinue the action that’s causing it. Because RSI often is associated with work-related activities, it can be challenging to do this. Some ways to combat RSI include:
- Set up your workstation for optimal ergonomics
- Take short, frequent breaks. Set an alarm on your phone and stand and stretch the back, arms, wrists, and fingers every hour.
- Practice good posture and avoid slouching
- Avoid working in cold temperatures for long periods
- Avoid standing or sitting in a single position all day
- Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
- See a doctor if you experience, pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, shoulders, arms, or hands
Workers’ Compensation for Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive stress injuries sometimes require extensive medical treatment and time off from work. If you’ve been diagnosed with a job-related RSI, workers’ compensation benefits should pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. Repetitive stress injury claims are complex, as they also can be caused by activities outside of work, such as knitting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, and other hobbies. Making the connection between your condition and your job can be challenging. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can put it all together to prove your repetitive stress injury is work-related and fight to help you get the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Third-Party Workplace Injury Claims
Although it’s practically impossible to sue if your workplace injuries were caused by employer negligence, if another party contributed to your RSI, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against them. A workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you on the most effective way to move forward.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in NYC
For more than 30 years, Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, has helped clients in Staten Island and the greater New York City area obtain the workers’ compensation and disability benefits they need. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is proud to assist our Spanish-speaking clients. If you or someone you love is suffering from a work-related repetitive stress injury, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
