Robert I. Feinberg Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when a repetitive activity—like typing—causes tendons in the hand to swell, which puts pressure on a nerve. Over time, the nerve is damaged and any movement can be painful. Other symptoms include cramping, fatigue, numbness, or tingling.

CTS is just one of many workplace-related repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), also known as repetitive motion injuries or occupational overuse syndrome. Repeatedly performing the same arm or hand movement can put stress on muscles and tendons, cause inflammation, and reduce blood flow. The end result is often irreversible damage to nerve fibers.

In 2007, RSIs accounted for the highest number of missed workdays.  Occupations with the highest risk of RSIs include computer operators, meat cutters, assembly line workers, and construction workers. Treating an RSI is expensive and it can be difficult to prove that that your symptoms are work-related. For your own best interest, speak with a competent Boston injury lawyer about your options.

White finger syndrome

In one medical case, a 40-year-old construction worker sought treatment because one of his fingers changed color in cold weather. This condition was painful enough to interfere with his work. The man was probably suffering from vibration white finger or hand-arm vibration syndrome. Using hand-held vibrating tools such as power drills or nail guns can stop blood flow and eventually damage blood vessels. In cold weather, the affected fingers turn white or discolored, accompanied by pain, numbness, or burning or tingling sensations.

White finger syndrome is only one kind of RSI related to construction work. Other injuries include:

• CTS from using hand as a clamp
• Bursitis, inflammation of fluid-filled sacs at the joints, from raising heavy loads over the head
• Tendonitis, painful inflammation of tendons
• Thoracic outlet syndrome, from carrying heavy weights on the shoulder or working with arms above the head

Construction workers who develop an RSI may have to stop working since these syndromes can be hard to treat. It can sometimes be difficult to convince a workers comp board that an RSI is work-related. Always consult with a Boston construction lawyer before agreeing to any settlement.
 
Contact a skilled Boston injury lawyer

Workplace safety includes making sure employees do not injure themselves through repetitive actions. Unfortunately, many employers do not fulfill this obligation. At the first sign of tingling, pain, or numbness, alert your supervisor and get medical attention. Do not continue performing the action that led to the problem since this may lead to more serious damage.

It is in your best interest to consult with a Boston personal injury lawyer with experience in occupational and construction injury cases. Feinberg & Alban, PC, can advise you about the benefits you are entitled to receive and help you process your claim.  Call today. 

Feinberg & Alban PC
141 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 232-5950