Often when Arizona workers think about getting injured on the job, they imagine falling or being struck, burned or electrocuted. However, one of the more common types of injuries is actually much more insidious because it happens over an extended period of time.

Repetitive strain injuries may also be referred to as repetitive motion injuries or repetitive stress injuries. According to WebMD, they actually account for more than half of all athletic related injuries.

Types of repetitive motion injuries

The two most common types of repetitive motion injuries are bursitis and tendinitis. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, which is a sac that normally cushions or lubricates the space between tendons and bones. Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons themselves.

Repetitive motion injury causes

Continually exposing certain parts of the body to cold, stress and vibration can take a toll. Friction and trauma caused by these repeating activities cause small tears in the body’s soft tissue. If the tears are happening faster than the body can repair them, the damage accumulates over time, leading to worsening inflammation.

Can repetitive strain injuries be prevented?

The Cleveland Clinic points out that many workplaces now have safety guidelines in place to help reduce the likelihood of workers having to deal with repetitive strain injuries. People can ask their employers for tips on how to position the body and hold tools efficiently to minimize damage.

There are also lots of helpful online guides on proper positioning and technique. Perhaps the best information comes from healthcare professionals.