If you work in a Florida office at a desk all day or work from home at a computer or at a cash register in a grocery store, etc., you probably don’t consider your job dangerous. At least, you likely do not consider it at the top of the average list of most dangerous jobs in the state. Construction work, agriculture and auto repair are much likelier to result in a worker’s comp claim.
This is not to say, however, that you are not at risk for injuries in the workplace. In fact, if you sit or stand in the same position for hours at a time or make repeated movements, such as typing or piecing things together on an assembly line, you are undoubtedly at greater risk for a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) than workers in some other industries.
Wrist or joint pains are often symptoms of RSI
You might consider yourself a healthy person. Then, one day, you notice a shooting pain in your wrist when you go to pick up your coffee cup. After thinking about it, you realize that it is not the first time it has happened. In fact, you have been experiencing soreness or numbness or tingling for some time now. Sometimes, it hurts when you try to do your job.
Such symptoms are often associated with RSI. If you have pain, inflammation, swelling or immobility, it is a good idea to seek medical attention and to let the doctor know that you work at a job that is high risk for RSI.
RSI left untreated can result in nerve damage
The good news is that seeking medical attention for early warning signs of RSI typically means that your doctor can develop a treatment plan to help alleviate discomfort and to preserve your muscles, nerves or tendons from permanent damage. The bad news is that RSI left untreated can, and often does, result in nerve damage or permanent immobility.
Laser treatments and other resources, such as pain medication, physical therapy and more, might help you restore cells and promote healing. Such treatments may also enable you to continue to work. For instance, if you have a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome, wearing a specially designed brace might help you retain the use of the affected limb.
Filing a worker’s compensation claim because of an RSI
If you have suffered an RSI in your Florida workplace, you may be eligible for filing a workers’ compensation claim. It is important to explain your condition in detail and to have medical documentation available to substantiate your claim. Because employers and insurance companies often try to deny workers’ claims, you might want to determine ahead of time where to seek additional support, as needed, if you encounter complications when your claim is processed.