Minnesota residents who have a dangerous occupation such as construction understand that they face the everyday risk of a work accident. However, people in any type of job can suffer a work-related injury and that means even you can be impacted by an on-the-job injury or medical condition. These experiences do not always result from workplace accidents but can arise from a person performing their regular job duties.
Repetitive motion disorders are examples of these injuries. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that these injuries are common in jobs where an unnatural motion is repeatedly executed. Employees like meatpackers, carpenters, tailors and seamstresses, assembly line workers and musicians are known to suffer from repetitive motion disorders. So too are people who spend long hours working on computers.
Examples of repetitive work injuries are tendonitis, bursitis, ganglion cysts and carpal tunnel syndrome. Upper limbs and shoulders are the most commonly affected body parts. Hips, knees, ankles, necks and backs can also be points of pain and inflammation caused by a repetitive motion at work. Symptoms often include swelling, tingling sensations and pain in the area. Left untreated, these injuries can lead to permanent damage over time of nerves, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Symptoms can be treated to some degree by applying ice or taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications but typically a break from the causal action is often required.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about repetitive motion injuries due to job-related activities in Minnesota.
