Your elbow pain could be a sign of repetitive stress injury

Repetitive stress injuries can turn up in many areas of your body and be called by different names.

Many repetitive stress injuries are work-related. If you suspect your elbow pain is this kind of injury, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Soft tissue trouble

The repeated motions you perform as part of the work you do can adversely affect tendons, ligaments, nerves and muscles. Overuse can result in soft tissue tears that do not heal because of repeated activity or motion. As a result, inflammation occurs, which, in turn, causes pain.

Areas affected

Tendinitis is a common problem that refers to inflamed tendons. The areas most affected are shoulders and biceps as well as that elbow that has been giving you trouble. Bursitis is another common condition that results from repetitive motion. A bursa is a small sac that acts as a cushion between tendon and bone. There are 150 bursae in your body and repetitive motion can cause friction and pain to develop, notably in knees, elbows and hips.

Those most at risk

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another kind of repetitive stress injury that often plagues typists. However, in addition to computer work, such injuries occur in many occupations including meatpacking, sewing, carpentry, assembly line work and gardening.

Next steps

If you believe your elbow pain indicates a work-related repetitive stress injury, seek medical attention to obtain a diagnosis and treatment. Inform your employer of the incident in writing to ensure there is an official record on file. Your employer should also have the workers’ compensation claim form for you to complete and submit. If the insurer should deny your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision.