SHOULDER AND ELBOW INJURIES

Shoulder and Elbow Injuries

Shoulder and elbow injuries are one of the more common workplace injuries in California. These injuries can be caused by a sudden accident, or by long-term use and repetitive motions while on the job.

Common Shoulder and Elbow Injuries

Some of the most common work-related shoulder and elbow injuries include:

  • Bursitis:
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Dislocated Shoulder
  • Hyper Extended Elbow
  • Shoulder Strains and Sprains

Bursitis occurs in the joints of the shoulder or elbow and inflames the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the tendons, muscles, and bones. Repetitive motions can put too much pressure on your joints, causing the bursae to swell. Bursitis can result from leaning too long on your elbows or lifting heavy objects overhead. Symptoms include aches and pain in the elbow or shoulder area, redness or swelling, and pain when pressure is placed on the joint.

  • Dislocated Shoulder:

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the shoulder pops out of the socket in your arm. A dislocation is painful, but it can also tear or stretch tissue in the area, resulting in further injury. Common causes can be falls, a sudden blow to the shoulder, and over-rotation of the shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and visible distortion of the shoulder.

  • Rotator Cuff Tear or Impingement:

The group of tendons and muscles located around the shoulder make up the rotator cuff. These tendons and muscles keep your arm in the shoulder socket and allow full range of motion. If the rotator cuff becomes irritated or damaged it can result in a tear and pain. This type of injury generally results from a sudden injury or from repeated overhead movements.

Impingment: Impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when there is impingement of tendons or bursa in the shoulder from bones of the shoulder. Overhead activity of the shoulder, especially repeated activity, is a risk factor for shoulder impingement syndrome.

  • Hyper-Extended Elbow:

A hyperextended elbow happens when your elbow is extended beyond its normal range of movement and can cause serious damage to the ligaments and bone. It can also result in a dislocated elbow. A hyperextended elbow can be caused by a fall, but also by lifting and carrying heavy objects.

  • Severe Shoulder Strains and Sprains

If a tendon or muscle in your shoulder is stretched or torn, it can result in a shoulder strain. This can be caused by having your shoulder in the same position for long periods of time. For example, by carrying heavy objects for hours or even poor posture for long periods of time.

  • Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that affects your shoulder joint. It usually involves pain and stiffness that develops gradually and causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder.

Should I File a Claim?

More than 10% of California workers injured on the job don’t notify their employer. Failing to file a workers’ compensation claim unfairly places the burden of paying for medical treatment, physical therapy, lost time at work, and long-term impairment on you. Your employer maintains workers’ compensation insurance, as required by law, to protect you and your rights. If you have an injury that happened at work, was caused by your work, or if work aggravated a pre-existing injury, you should file a claim. You don’t have to do it alone. Let the experienced professionals at the RSnyder Law Firm help you. Call us at (949) 484-0175 for a free consultation  or contact us  online at info@rsnyderlaw.com and we’ll give you your options.