At work, sometimes, we feel like a cog in a machine. We do the same thing every day. Unfortunately, repetitive motions can cause repetitive motion disorders.
What are RMDs?
RMDs are disorders of your muscular system that result from repetitive movements, usually associated with your normal, daily work activities.
RMDs are common, and you have probably heard of some of the more common varieties, like carpal tunnel syndrome. RMDs also include several other disorders, like trigger finger, bursitis, ganglion cyst, tenosynovitis, tendonitis and epicondylitis.
How are they caused?
As the name implies, RMDs are caused by awkward or unnatural repetitive motion and activity, like overexertion and extension, twisting movements, bad posture and ignored muscle fatigue.
These injuries affect appendages with joints, like your shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists. They can also affect your ankles, neck, hips, back, legs, feet and knees.
Who is affected?
Anyone that has a repetitive job can experience an RMD. These disorders commonly affect workers in meatpacking, assembly lines, sewing, office work and musical performance. They are also common among athletes, and those who frequently engage in carpentry and gardening for pleasure or work.
How do you know you have an RMD?
RMDs have telltale signs, which include tingling, pain, numbness and visual signs, like redness and swelling. You may also lose strength and flexibility in your appendages. This causes work to become painful and harder, if not impossible.
Even easy tasks may become next to impossible without experiencing pain.
Is it permanent?
RMDs can be temporary, if treated quickly. If left untreated, RMDs can cause permanent damage to your body’s soft tissues, like your ligaments, muscles, tendons and nerves.
To avoid permanent damage, the moment you begin experiencing discomfort, call your doctor for evaluation.
Once you have a diagnosis, you will need to file for workers’ compensation to ensure that your medical bills and loss wages are paid. You may need a New York City metropolitan area workers’ compensation attorney to advise you.