Repetitive stress injuries cause gradual damage to the soft tissues, which occur from overuse and repeated movement. There are several types of repetitive stress injuries a worker in Tucson, Arizona, may experience.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is among the most common repetitive stress injuries, causing an average of 27 missed word days. It is caused by damage to the median nerve on the wrist from performing the same task, such as typing.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may cause the fingers to feel swollen and burn or tingle and weakness when grasping objects. While occupation is a risk factor, a genetic history and changes in blood sugar can also be risk factors.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition caused by the bursae, or small fluid sacs on the joints, getting inflamed. The job of the bursae is to prevent friction between the bones and muscles, such as in the elbows, knees, and hips.

A bursae inflammation commonly causes pain, decreased range of motion, bruises, redness, or rashes in the affected joint, and pinched nerves. Certain activities place more pressure on the bursae, which include jobs that require kneeling, such as carpentry and carpet laying.

De Quervain’s Disease

De Quervain’s Disease is a little-known condition that affects the sheaths of the tendons and nerves along the lower thumb. The condition commonly causes pain around the thumb base or the wrist side or radiating pain and numbness up to the elbow.

It may also cause more pain making a fist, a “sticking” feeling when moving the thumb, or grasping an object. Sometimes, in severe cases or when symptoms don’t improve, surgery may be the only way to treat it.

Employees may qualify for workers’ compensation for a work-related injury. However, they only have limited time to file a claim against an employer.