Maybe it started as a nagging ache in your elbow or a sharp pain shooting through your wrist every time you reach for something. But now the pain is worse, and it is making every day uncomfortable.
If your doctor diagnoses tendonitis, but you haven’t done anything unusual that could have caused the pain, you might be wondering, “Is tendonitis a work-related injury?”
It can be, since repetitive movements are the most common cause. However, because it tends to build slowly over time, many people don’t associate it with their jobs or seek help with workplace injury management in Wichita. Understanding the relationship between your daily work and tendonitis could be the first step toward getting better and preventing further discomfort.
What Is Tendonitis, and Why Does It Hurt So Much?
Tendons are the tough, fibrous tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Tendonitis means these fibers have become inflamed, which can cause pain ranging from a dull ache to a debilitating, sharp, burning sensation that worsens with movement.
Tendonitis can affect almost any joint, but the wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and heels are among the most common trouble spots. The tricky thing about tendonitis is that it often sneaks up on you, developing over time. That gradual buildup can make it harder to recognize as a workplace injury.
Tendonitis is typically classified as a repetitive strain injury, which occurs when tendons are repeatedly stressed without adequate recovery time. Jobs involving constant keyboard use, assembly-line work, heavy lifting, or prolonged use of vibrating equipment like jackhammers are most likely to involve repetitive motions at work that contribute to tendon problems.
Signs Your Tendonitis May Be Work-Related
Many workers assume that soreness is simply part of the job, especially when symptoms develop gradually. However, there are a few clues that tendonitis may be connected to your work activities, such as pain that worsens during specific job tasks and improves when you’re not working or that affects only the body parts you repeatedly use on the job, such as the wrist, elbow, or shoulder. Keeping track of your symptoms and which activities seem to trigger them can help your healthcare provider determine whether your condition may be work-related.
Does Tendonitis Count as a Work-Related Injury for Workers’ Compensation?
People often ask, “Is tendonitis a work-related injury?” because if it is, they may qualify for certain benefits from their employers. If your job duties significantly contribute to your condition, then it’s likely that it will be considered a work-related condition.
Unlike injuries caused by a sudden accident, tendonitis is often classified as an occupational overuse injury. This means the condition develops through repeated stress over weeks, months, or even years. Employers and insurance providers may require medical evidence showing that workplace activities played a significant role in causing the injury.
Documentation becomes especially important in these cases. Your medical records and reports about daily work activities may help establish the connection between the condition and employment. Pre-existing conditions, like arthritis, won’t automatically disqualify you from a workers’ compensation claim if you can show that work activities aggravated or accelerated the problem.
The Importance of Prompt Medical Care
If you develop symptoms of tendonitis, it’s important to seek professional care. A healthcare provider who knows all about tendonitis can evaluate and diagnose your condition and recommend treatment options.
Many cases of tendonitis respond well to medical treatment and rehabilitation, which may include activity modifications, supportive measures (such as braces), and physical therapy. In some cases, when tendonitis is a work-related injury, workers may need temporary work restrictions to prevent further aggravation.
What To Know About Filing a Claim
Workers who believe their tendonitis is work-related may need to consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. Report symptoms as soon as possible to establish when and how the injury occurred; with this particular condition, you’ll need to prove that the symptoms developed gradually. Medical evaluations and documentation will help determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
Get Help for Work-Related Tendonitis in Wichita
So, is tendonitis a work-related injury? Yes, and it’s one of the most common occupational overuse injuries seen in workers across industries. If you’re dealing with ongoing pain, you deserve the same attention and treatment as you would for any other workplace injury.
With the right medical support and guidance, recovery is possible, and WorkSafe is ready to help you get there. WorkSafe provides experienced care and guidance for workers dealing with job-related repetitive strain injuries and pain. Call WorkSafe today at (316) 262-8800 to schedule an appointment.