Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries in the Healthcare Industry

Healthcare professionals work in a demanding field that requires precision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. Behind the scenes, the daily rigors of providing care can take a toll on their own health. One common issue many healthcare workers face is the risk of developing repetitive stress injuries.

What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury?

Repetitive stress injuries, also called repetitive strain injuries or repetitive motion injuries, occur when repeated movements or prolonged strain on soft tissues (like muscles and tendons) lead to pain, inflammation, and potential damage. Workers who perform the same tasks repeatedly are especially at risk.

Why Healthcare Workers Are Especially Vulnerable

Repetitive stress injuries are especially common among healthcare professionals, including nurses, caregivers, home health aides, doctors, and other medical staff. These individuals regularly perform tasks such as administering medication, taking vitals, performing procedures, lifting patients, and assisting with daily living activities. While these tasks may seem harmless when done occasionally, over time they can lead to chronic pain in areas like the hands, wrists, shoulders, or back. What many chalk up to aging may actually be the result of repetitive motion.

In fact, for healthcare professionals in assisted living facilities, repetitive stress injuries are among the most frequently reported workplace injuries.

Can You File for Workers’ Compensation for a Repetitive Stress Injury?

When people think of a workers’ compensation claim, they often assume there must be a single, sudden incident that caused the injury. That’s not always true. You may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if your injury developed over time through repetitive movements.

Repetitive stress injuries can make it difficult or even impossible to perform essential job duties, which is why workers’ compensation exists, to support you when your job causes you harm.

Common Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Healthcare workers may unknowingly work through the pain of a repetitive stress injury, not realizing these conditions are covered by workers’ compensation. Some of the most common repetitive strain injuries include:

• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• De Quervain’s syndrome
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger)
• Tendinosis
• Tendonitis
• Tenosynovitis

Repetitive Injuries Common Among Medical Professionals

A recent OSHA study found that healthcare workers are seven times more likely to suffer musculoskeletal and repetitive-stress injuries than those in other industries. Common examples include:

• Sprains and strains
• Joint displacement or separation
• Slipped vertebral discs
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Bone fractures
• Nerve impingements like carpal tunnel

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Repetitive Stress Injury

You might be wondering how to know if you’re suffering from a repetitive stress injury. The first step is to listen to your body. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, consult a medical professional right away. Then, reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney—you may have a limited time to report your injury.

Symptoms of repetitive stress injuries often include:

• Chronic pain that doesn’t subside after work
• Numbness, tingling, or throbbing in a specific area
• Swelling, cramping, or stiffness
• Fatigue or difficulty performing regular tasks

Getting the Treatment You Need

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury. Doctors may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic care, bracing, or medication. In more severe cases, injections or even surgery might be necessary.

Healthcare professionals need to prioritize their own health to effectively care for others. Just like on an airplane, you must put on your own oxygen mask first.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Report Your Injury

One of the biggest challenges in these cases is providing notice to your employer. Since repetitive stress injuries don’t stem from a single incident, employers sometimes claim the injury isn’t work-related or argue that the claim was filed too late. Unfortunately, many initial claims are denied.

Don’t let employer pushback discourage you. Be proactive. Understand the signs, see a doctor, and consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Stern & Cohen Can Help

At Stern & Cohen, we regularly represent healthcare professionals who have suffered from repetitive stress injuries. If you or someone you know may have experienced a work-related repetitive injury, don’t wait. Contact our office today to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney.