Repetitive motion injuries

What Are Repetitive Motion Injuries?

Repetitive motion injuries happen when a person does the same physical movement again and again until part of their body gets hurt. These injuries don’t usually happen in one sudden moment. Instead, they build up over time.

It’s not just about hard labor either. You can get a repetitive motion injury from something as simple as typing, scanning groceries, or using a small tool every day. The more often you repeat that movement, the more strain you put on certain muscles, tendons, or nerves. Eventually, something gives.

How These Injuries Begin

Many people notice small signs before the injury gets bad. Maybe your wrist feels a little sore after a long shift. Maybe your shoulder feels stiff after a week of lifting boxes. At first, you might think, “It’s just tiredness—it’ll go away.” But if you keep doing the same task without rest or changes, the damage can grow worse until the pain is constant.

Common Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This happens when a nerve in your wrist gets squeezed by swelling or pressure, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon from overuse. Often happens in elbows, wrists, or shoulders. Pain can get sharp if left untreated.

Bursitis

Inflammation in the small fluid sacs that cushion your joints. It can cause swelling, pain, and reduced movement.

Trigger Finger

When a finger locks in a bent position and then snaps straight. This is common for people who grip tools, scissors, or other objects often.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Wear-and-tear in the shoulder from repeated lifting or overhead movements. Can lead to weakness and pain that spreads down the arm.

Jobs Where These Injuries Are Common

These injuries can happen in many workplaces, such as:

• Office jobs with constant typing or mouse use

• Factory or assembly line work

• Construction jobs using power tools

• Warehouse work with lifting, packing, and scanning

• Nursing or caregiving, where heavy lifting and moving patients is common

• Retail jobs with scanning, stocking, or repetitive hand movements

• Delivery driving that involves frequent heavy lifting

Why They Can Be Just as Serious as Sudden Injuries

Some people think repetitive motion injuries are minor because they don’t involve a single dramatic accident. But they can be just as limiting. They may cause:

• Chronic pain

• Loss of strength or grip

• Permanent nerve damage

• The need for surgery or long-term therapy

• Inability to do your job or daily activities without pain

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Watch out for:

• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations

• Swelling in joints or soft tissue

• Pain that worsens with activity

• Weak grip or trouble holding objects

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest

• Clicking or popping in joints

If you catch the signs early, you have a better chance of healing without major treatment.

How Doctors Diagnose These Injuries

Your doctor will ask about your job duties, symptoms, and when you first noticed the pain. They might also:

• Test your strength and movement

• Order nerve conduction studies to check for nerve damage

• Use ultrasound to look at soft tissue

• Get MRIs or X-rays to rule out other conditions

Medical documentation is important—not just for your health, but also for proving your injury if you file a claim.

Treatment Options

• Rest: Taking a break from the activity causing the injury

• Ice and heat: To reduce swelling and relax muscles

• Splints or braces: To support and protect the injured area

• Physical therapy: To strengthen muscles and improve flexibility

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling

• Steroid injections: For more severe inflammation

• Surgery: In extreme cases, to repair damaged tendons or relieve nerve pressure

Recovery time varies. Some people heal in weeks, others may need months or longer.

How These Injuries Affect Daily Life

These injuries can make simple things—like buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, or carrying a grocery bag—painful. If you rely on your hands, arms, or shoulders for your job, you might be forced to take time off. That can mean lost income and stress about paying bills.

Why Serious Injury Lawyers Get Involved

If your repetitive motion injury came from work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. A serious injury lawyer can:

• Gather evidence that your injury is job-related

• File your claim and meet all deadlines

• Communicate with your employer and insurance company

• Make sure you get coverage for medical care and lost wages

• Take your case to court if your claim is denied

Proving It’s a Work Injury

Insurance companies sometimes argue that repetitive motion injuries are “personal” or unrelated to your job. A lawyer will use:

• Detailed medical records

• Job descriptions and task lists

• Witness statements from coworkers

• Opinions from medical experts

The goal is to connect your job duties directly to your injury.

When Civil Rights Issues Can Play a Role

If you’re denied breaks, forced into unsafe work speeds, or treated unfairly because of your injury, there may be a civil rights element to your case. This could involve discrimination laws or workplace safety violations.

Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

In Georgia, most employers must carry workers’ comp insurance. This covers:

• Medical treatment

• Lost wages if you can’t work

• Disability benefits if you can’t return to your old job

But there are strict time limits for reporting and filing claims. Missing a deadline could mean losing benefits.

Why Insurance Companies Push Back

They may claim:

• The injury isn’t serious

• You had it before working for them

• You can still work without restrictions

A lawyer knows how to counter these arguments with strong evidence.

Evidence That Can Help

Your lawyer may gather:

• Doctor’s notes

• Imaging results like MRIs

• Photos or videos of your job duties

• Coworker statements about working conditions

• Workplace safety records

What You Can Recover in a Claim

Possible compensation includes:

• Payment for all medical treatment

• Lost wages during your recovery

• Disability benefits for long-term effects

• A settlement if you can’t return to your old job

Settlement vs. Trial

Many claims settle out of court. This is quicker and less stressful. But if the offer is too low, going to trial may get you more money. A lawyer can explain the risks and benefits of each option.

How Long It Can Take

Some cases wrap up in a few months. Others—especially those with disputed claims—can take over a year. Factors include medical treatment time, insurance company cooperation, and whether you go to court.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

• Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible

• Keep a daily record of your symptoms

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly

• Save copies of all medical bills and reports

• Avoid social media posts about your injury

• Speak to a lawyer early, before problems come up

Choosing the Right Lawyer

In Georgia, look for someone who:

• Has experience with repetitive motion injury cases

• Knows workers’ compensation laws

• Communicates in plain language

• Has a track record of winning fair settlements

Real-World Case Example

A retail worker scans items for years, developing carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. She reports her pain, but the store says it’s “personal.” She hires a lawyer, who gathers medical proof and coworker testimony. With this evidence, she wins a settlement covering surgery, therapy, and months of lost wages.

Preventing These Injuries

While you can’t prevent every case, these steps help:

• Take regular breaks to rest your muscles

• Switch tasks when possible

• Use ergonomic tools and equipment

• Keep good posture

• Stretch before and after work

Life After a Repetitive Motion Injury

Some people recover fully. Others may always have some level of pain or weakness. You may need to change how you work, use assistive devices, or switch careers. With fair compensation, you can afford treatment and make the changes you need.

Final Thoughts

Repetitive motion injuries may develop slowly, but their impact can be life-changing. They can limit your work, daily activities, and overall quality of life. If your injury is work-related, don’t wait—get medical help and talk to a lawyer. The right legal support can mean the difference between struggling alone and having the resources you need to recover and move forward.