Repetitive strain injuries are one of the major sources of workplace injuries that lead to OWCP claims. But what are they, how do you know if you have one, and what are common causes of repetitive strain injury?
What is a Repetitive Strain Injury?
Simply put, a repetitive strain injury is an injury that stems from the overuse of a specific body part or the entire body. When you make the same movements on a regular basis (think, working on the computer day in and day out), your muscles, tendons, and nerves can suffer damage, leading to inflammation.
While the body tries to heal the area, if you continue making the same motions without getting sufficient rest to fully recover from the damage already done, the tissue gets further damaged and can form scar tissue. This gradual wear and tear leads to a repetitive strain injury, or RSI.
Some of the most common RSIs include:
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Tennis elbow
- Chronic pain syndrome
RSIs are most commonly seen in the arms (shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands).
What Causes a RSI?
As the name would imply, a repetitive strain injury is caused over time by repeating the same actions regularly.
Some of the common causes of repetitive strain injury include:
- Operating heavy machinery
- Driving
- Using hand tools
- Typing on the computer
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Lifting
- Bending
- And more
There are a LOT of federal jobs that require employees to perform the same motions over and over daily.
How about USPS workers, whether inside the post office or out on a route?
Twisting, bending, and lifting to pick up packages regularly, whether sorting or delivering, could possibly create an RSI.
In all federal agencies, countless other job duties require the employee to be at a desk for hours a day.
If you suspect you have developed an RSI from your job, call OWCP Doctors Houston for help.
How Do You Know If You Have an RSI?
Your doctor can determine whether or not you have an RSI. If you do, and it has developed from your job duties as a federal worker, you should be covered under FECA, the OWCP, and DOL.
Symptoms of a RSI include:
- Aching
- Tingling in neck or arms
- Weak arms
- Shooting pain
- Tremors
- Burning pain
- Chronically cold hands and/or fingers
At OWCP Doctors Houston, we focus on helping feds get the help they need to get out of pain and get the benefits they deserve. If you suspect you have a Repetitive strain injuryRSI, reach out to our team today.