Easing the pain caused by bursitis

It’s a normal day on the job, but something doesn’t feel right. You might experience an extra amount of pain while doing tasks you’ve done before, without a problem. Maybe your shoulder feels stiff and you’re unable to rotate it, or your hands begin to cramp up. Gradually, the pain increases and your workday comes to a halt. You find that you physically cannot perform the way you used to. This could be a sign of bursitis.

What causes bursitis?

Bursitis is a painful condition that many workers suffer from. This condition forms when the fluid-filled sacs found between our muscles, bones and ligaments become inflamed. These sacs are called bursae. Consistent friction from daily tasks could result in severe pain. Workers who experience this condition oftentimes seek treatment, and might not even make it back to work.

Construction workers are typically prone to this condition due to the nature of their job. Tools and heavy equipment, such as power saws and jackhammers, can cause joint problems over time.

What areas are affected?

A variety of different daily tasks cause bursitis, and it can affect many parts of the body. For those who have physically demanding jobs, this pain can make it nearly impossible to continue working. There are common areas in which workers experience stress, such as:

• Ankles
• Knees
• Hips
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Wrist
• Thumbs

How can I recover?

Employers should take preventative measures to ensure construction workers are on the job. But because so many tasks are laborious and repetitive, injuries happen regardless.

Workers compensation usually does not cover repetitive stress injuries caused by day-to-day tasks. Despite that, there are different routes to taking when filing a claim. It’s still possible to receive compensation for your recovery, based on the unique factors of each case.

You should see a doctor if you experience any pain. They may perform an X-ray, MRI, ultrasound or other tests to diagnosis damage or infection. While a doctor or physical therapist will recommend treatment in the office, there are ways to ease pain at home, which includes:

• Icing
• Compressing
• Elevating
• Over-the-counter pain relivers
• Rest

These remedies will help ease the pain temporarily. Doctors might suggest medications, therapy and other surgical procedures as a long-term solution. Because medical bills can get high, filing a claim with your employer could be necessary. Be sure to take action as soon as the problem arises. Contact a Charlotte work injury lawyer for help.