Repetitive Stress Injuries with Our Orthopedic Doctor
Repetitive stress injuries occur when soft tissues are overworked, leading to pain and discomfort. Below, our team at Boston Orthopaedic P.C. in Fall River, New Bedford, and Springfield, MA, shares some of the most common types of stress injuries and the signs that you might suffer from one.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when tendons become inflamed from overuse. It leads to pain and tenderness, swelling, weakness, and decreased range of motion. Tendonitis normally occurs in the shoulders, knees, wrists, and elbows. While it is considered one of the various work injuries one can sustain, it’s also common among golfers, tennis players, and other athletes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve of the hand is compressed. It causes symptoms such as the following:
- Numbness or weakness of the hand
- Shooting sensations in the fingers
- Tingling between the shoulder and forearm or throughout the fingers
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are typically due to the specific use of the arms and shoulders, reaching over the head. This action leads to a loss of strength in the damaged component, popping noises when you move your arm, and pain when you lift or reach behind your back. It’s one of the most common work injuries for people with manual jobs.
Bursitis
Bones, tendons, and muscles are cushioned by bursae, which are small sacs of fluid. Overuse can lead to inflammation, pain, and limited range of motion. This condition is called bursitis and is common in the hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Back Sprains and Strains
People who constantly bend and lift heavy objects at work often experience sprains and strains in the back. Such repetitive stress injuries can severely impact your range of motion, cause stiffness in the lower back, muscle spasms, prohibit good posture, and leave you with pain from your lower back to your buttocks.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are common in athletes, resulting from soft tissues of the shins being overworked. They cause aches or dull pain in the front of the legs, swelling, soreness along the inside of the shin, and often tenderness when touched. The pain is often worse after activity but improves with rest.
Visit Our Orthopedic Doctor
If you suffer from any repetitive stress injuries mentioned above, you don’t have to let the pain remain in your life. Schedule an appointment with our Boston Orthopaedic P.C. team in Fall River at (508) 675-2840, New Bedford at (508) 997-8500, or Springfield at (413) 930-9700.