Many employees think of workers’ compensation as something available only after a singular traumatic incident, such as a construction accident or an on-the-job vehicle crash. You also may file a workers’ compensation claim in New York in pursuit of benefits for a debilitating repetitive stress injury, such as wrist tendinitis.
Such a claim may be complicated to prove or quantify. After all, you will not have witnesses to attest to the details of a work-related accident or a visible injury. However, there are steps you can take to prove eligibility for workers’ compensation and secure benefits.
What is tendinitis of the wrist, and what are the symptoms?
Wrist tendinitis – sometimes also spelled tendonitis – is inflammation or irritation of the tendons of the wrist. A tendon is the tissue that connects bones to muscles. Tendinitis often can be classified as a repetitive stress injury.
Symptoms of wrist tendinitis include:
- pain in the wrist;
- a dull ache in the affected area;
- tenderness at the point of injury; and
- swelling of the wrist and surrounding areas.
Some cases of tendinitis resolve on their own with home treatment, such as rest or icing the injury. More serious cases may require anti-inflammatories or steroid injections at the injury site. Pain relievers may be prescribed to address more painful symptoms. Physical therapy may be necessary to stretch and strengthen the muscles associated with the injury. More severe cases may require surgery.
How do repetitive stress injuries occur?
Repetitive stress injuries are often associated with sports or an occupation. Wrist tendinitis may develop due to the nature of your job, such as tasks that involve:
- repetitive motion (such as typing, filling out forms, lifting boxes, reaching overhead, assembling small parts and so on);
- non-ergonomic positioning (such as using improper technique in execution of tasks, such as those mentioned above);
- exposure to vibrations (such as what can occur when working on an assembly line); and
- excessive force (such as having to lift heavy objects or placing undue force on the bones, muscles and tendons).
Tendinitis is most frequently associated with older workers because age can cause tendons to become less flexible. However, any worker may be subject to wrist tendinitis if exposed to the abovementioned risk factors.
Evidence for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Wrist tendinitis may make it difficult or impossible for you to do your job. It may also require medical treatment to correct the injury. In these cases, you may file a workers’ compensation claim to seek restitution for your work-related injury.
Your claim may require evidence to prove the existence of your injury and proof that it is connected to your occupation. Necessary
evidence may include:
- doctor’s diagnosis from a physical exam;
- X-rays and other imaging results;
- a description of your job duties (such as typing for eight hours a day, and so on);
- statements from medical experts; and
- more.
Learn more about what you must do when filing for workers’ compensation due to tendinitis of the wrist. Call Markhoff & Mittman at 866-205-2415
