Strains and sprains are the most common workplace injuries. (http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2005/mar/wk4/art05.htm). On each side of a joint, muscles attach to bone with bands of tissue known as tendons. A strain happens when the muscle and tendon group is stretched or torn. A strain is commonly referred to as a pulled muscle. It can occur in three different ways: the muscle can tear, the area where the muscle and tendon attach can tear, or the tendon can rip away from the bone. The most common cause of a strain is overuse and stretching of the muscle.
A sprain occurs if a ligament is stretched or torn. A ligament is also a thick band of tissue, but ligaments connect bones to other bones and stabilize joints. A strain or sprain injury can occur from a single incident like a fall or lifting a heavy object at work. However, a strain or sprain can also develop gradually after many repetitions of a motion. Chronic overuse of a joint can lead the ligament to stretch, the tendon to become irritated, or the joint to become inflamed. The common factor among causes is stress on the body that forces muscles or joints to move in unnatural ways. The risk of a strain or sprain is increased if you are overweight, inactive, or in poor physical condition. To prevent strains and sprains, muscles should be warmed up before work or any other activity that results in a repetitive motion.
The initial symptom of strains and sprains is pain. Other symptoms usually include swelling and spasm which can develop within minutes or hours. Pain can onset after a specific incident or gradually worsen after a series of repetitive motions. With strains and sprains, the pain can increase over the first one to two days. Usually, the combination of symptoms results in difficulty using the injured body part.
Treatment for a strain or sprain should begin immediately. If home care does not control the pain, the injury is severe, numbness or tingling develop, the injured joint is cold or discolored, the joint is dislocated, or swelling slowly develops over a large joint, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will ask questions about the accident, perform a physical examination, and may suggest taking x-rays. Most strains and sprains will heal naturally, but severe strains or sprains may require surgery. An improperly healed strain or sprain can leave the joint susceptible to further injury.
If you believe that you have suffered a strain or sprain while at work, it is important to see a doctor and contact your Illinois Worker's Compensation Attorney. An experienced Illinois Worker's Compensation Attorney will ensure your injury is dealt with effectively, that your doctor understands the legal implications of your injury, and that your employer handles your claim effectively and efficiently.
Back Sprain or Back Strain?
July 13, 2010
