Work Injuries

If you notice your hands, wrists, or forearms ache daily, or that typing or working on the line has become particularly difficult and uncomfortable for you, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause tingling and numbness in your fingers or hand. Usually, the symptoms are felt in the thumb and index fingers or middle or ring fingers. For some, the condition will progress, lead to weakness in the hand, and cause people to drop items. Carpal tunnel is often associated with overuse-type injuries, particularly among construction and manufacturing workers that are required to lift, grip, and perform forceful wrist motions.

Sprains and strains are often confused with one another! A sprain happens when a ligament is overstretched or torn, whereas a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. An unexpected overstretching of the tissues can cause a tear and result in swelling, pain, and difficulty moving. A traumatic event, such as twisting your ankle on a step or lifting something awkwardly can cause a sprain or strain.

Tendonopathy describes any problem with a tendon, including disease, injury, or disorder. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, including the rotator cuff and biceps tendons. Acute injuries, including minor or partial tearing, can produce an inflammatory response typical of tendonitis. Tendinosis describes a dysfunctional tendon and typically does not specify the pathological process. This condition is associated with overuse-type conditions and degenerative changes that lead to micro-tearing and pain. These tendon injuries are not associated with inflammation, and anti-inflammatory medications may delay their healing! When tendons become injured or inflamed, any movement can cause pain or make them feel weak. Repetitive movements can lead to tendon disorders and most commonly affect the wrist/hand, elbow, shoulder, and upper back and neck regions. For those individuals that spend a lot of time on their feet, issues in the ankle/foot and knee are common. If you have tendinopathy, you will benefit from proper guidance from our physical therapy team!