One of the most common types of on-the-job injuries are soft tissue injuries. These can be sustained suddenly from workplace accidents or develop over a longer period of time.
Some common causes of soft tissue injuries include:
- Slip, trip and fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Accidents with equipment and machinery
- Caught in/between objects and equipment
- Repetitive movements
- Poor posture or poor workplace ergonomics
Common soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue injuries impact the muscles, tendons, joint and ligaments throughout the body. The most common soft tissue injuries workers sustain include:
- Sprains — overstretching of the ligaments, joints or tendons
- Muscle strains — overstretching or tearing of muscle tissue
- Tendinitis — inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often due to repetitive stress
- Lacerations — deep cuts that injure the skin and any connective tissue beneath the skin's surface
- Contusions — bruising of muscle tissue caused by a direct blow
- Bursitis — inflammation to the sacs that surround the joints, often due to repetitive stress
Complications caused by soft tissue injuries
The most common signs and symptoms of soft tissue injuries include:
- Swelling in the impacted area
- Pain, tingling and burning sensations
- Spasms and cramping
- Visible bruising or bleeding
- Loss of range of motion
- Instability in the joints
- Weakness or inability to hold weight
How are soft tissue injuries treated?
Some soft tissue injuries will go away on their own, but it's still important that you see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and receive the right treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend that you do the following while you recover:
- Apply an ice pack to the site of your injury for 20 minutes at a time.
- Compress the site of your injury with an ace wrap.
- Elevate the site of your injury above heart level.
- Rest and avoid working or doing any other physical activities until you recover.
Surgery and physical therapy may be necessary in some cases, especially if you sustained muscle or ligament tear.
Complications when filing for workers' comp
Not all soft tissue injuries show visible signs, such as bruising. Some injuries, such as muscle strains and sprains, can be very painful and impact a worker's ability to perform his or her job. The insurance companies that handle workers' compensation benefits may attempt to downplay your injuries and even try to deny your claim if they believe that you don't have a valid claim.
That's why it's critical that you speak to an experienced Ohio workers' compensation attorney to pursue financial benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. The attorneys at Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A. can help guide you through the complex process of pursuing a workers' compensation claim and work tirelessly to help you get the benefits you need.
We serve clients in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield and Troy. Contact us online to find out how we can help you.