Common Workplace Injuries Resulting In Workers’ Comp Claims

What Are Common Orthopedic Injuries in the Workplace?

Orthopedic injuries in the workplace often are the result of repetitive motions, such as lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing, bending sideways, or twisting. They also are caused by sudden trauma, such as falling, slipping without falling, being struck by an object, or being caught between equipment or machinery.

Among the most common orthopedic injuries suffered in the workplace are:

Back Injuries
Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries and can range from mild muscle strains to severe spinal damage. They often result from heavy lifting, repetitive movements, slips and falls, or prolonged sitting or standing. Muscle strains and sprains in the back can cause stiffness, spasms, and limited mobility, often requiring rest, physical therapy, and ergonomic adjustments at work. In more serious cases, injuries to the spine can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability, interfering with a worker’s ability to perform routine tasks or return to work.

Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This condition is often the result of repetitive lifting, bending, or a sudden strain on the spine. A herniated disc can press on nearby nerves, leading to sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms, depending on the location of the injury. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Left untreated, a herniated disc can significantly impair mobility and daily functioning.

Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the spinal discs naturally wear down over time, often accelerated by repetitive motion or physically demanding work. As the discs lose flexibility and cushioning, they may cause chronic back pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. While considered part of the aging process, this condition can be worsened by heavy lifting, poor posture, or workplace trauma. Treatment focuses on managing pain and improving function through physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical procedures like spinal fusion.

Neck Injuries
Neck injuries in the workplace can occur from falls, sudden impacts, or poor ergonomics, particularly for those working at desks or with heavy equipment. Common injuries include whiplash, cervical sprains, pinched nerves, and herniated cervical discs. These injuries often cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted movement, which can interfere with both professional and personal activities. Conservative treatment options like physical therapy and medication are common, but more severe injuries may require injections or surgical intervention. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent long-term damage.

Hips

The hip is a critical joint that bears much of the body’s weight, making it especially vulnerable to injury in the workplace. A sudden fall, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain can lead to a range of hip injuries, including labral tears, fractures, bursitis, and dislocations. A labral tear affects the ring of cartilage that cushions the hip socket and can cause pain, clicking, or instability. Fractures, which are more common in high-impact falls, often require surgical intervention and a lengthy recovery. Bursitis, the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint, typically results from repetitive motion or prolonged pressure and may be managed with rest and anti-inflammatory treatments. In severe cases, a hip dislocation may occur, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate reduction and follow-up care. Any of these injuries can significantly affect mobility and a worker’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

Shoulder injuries

Shoulder injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in workplace accidents and can cause intense pain while severely limiting your ability to work or carry out everyday tasks. These injuries may include conditions such as a Bankart lesion, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, bursitis, snapping scapula syndrome, SLAP tear, fractured shoulder blade, dislocation, and various joint injuries.

Rotator cuff tear

Overuse of the shoulder can damage the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. This will cause pain and weakness when moving the affected arm or lifting. Workers whose jobs require repeatedly performing overhead motions, such as painters or mechanics, are at higher risk of rotator cuff tears. Usually resting the arm allows the soft tissue to heal and therapeutic exercise strengthens the muscles. Significant tears may require surgery, including the potential need to implant an artificial joint.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone, often caused by overuse and repetitive activity. They commonly occur in the feet and ankles of workers who stand to perform their jobs. Stress fractures require rest that takes the weight off the broken bones. Surgery is sometimes necessary to ensure complete healing. It may be recommended for laborers whose work puts pressure on the stress fracture site.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains happen when a joint is suddenly twisted or turned, causing the ligaments that connect bones to stretch or tear. These injuries are common and often result in swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected joint. While many sprains heal with rest, ice, and compression, severe cases involving torn ligaments may require surgery. Strains, on the other hand, involve damage to muscles or tendons that connect muscles to bones.

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of the tendon around the elbow. It is caused by overuse or repetitive motion of muscles in the arm, forearm, and hands. In most cases, rest and pain medication relieve symptoms of tennis elbow. If pain and tenderness persist, surgery could be necessary to repair the damage.

Knee Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and is the primary stabilizer of the knee. Sudden twisting or awkward movements can cause the ACL to tear, often making it extremely painful or even impossible to stand. Severe ACL tears typically require reconstruction surgery, where the damaged ligament is removed and replaced. Similarly, the meniscus, cartilage in the knee that helps the leg move smoothly, can tear from abrupt or unnatural movements when the foot is planted. Initial treatment for a torn meniscus often includes rest and physical therapy, but surgery may be necessary in more serious cases.

Face, Hands and Feet

Certain parts of the body like the face, hands, and feet are especially vulnerable in many workplace environments. These areas are often exposed and essential for performing day-to-day tasks, making injuries particularly disruptive. From chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis to sudden injuries like broken wrists or facial trauma, these injuries can seriously impact your ability to work and perform everyday tasks. Early diagnosis, treatment, and sometimes legal support are crucial for proper recovery and compensation.