Most people experience hip or knee pain at some point in their lives due to the body\’s natural wear and tear. However, repetitive tasks can accelerate this process and actually be responsible for knee pain that younger workers in North Carolina experience when on the job. Overuse is a common reason for injuries that can lead to workers\’ compensation claims.
Common overuse injuries involving knees
The knees are susceptible to overuse injuries that commonly develop over time. You may feel a nagging ache or pain that appears one day, goes away the next and then suddenly returns with a vengeance. Common knee problems that can lead to workers\’ compensation claims include:
- Torn meniscus, leading to swelling, stiffness and pain when you rotate the joint
- Anterior cruciate ligament sprains or tears
- Medial cruciate ligament sprains or tears
- Tendinitis, which is inflammation of the tendon causing pain in varying degrees
How to treat overuse injuries
When doctors diagnose an overuse injury, they generally recommend rest for the joint and sometimes physical therapy depending on the severity. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice may also be part of the treatment. If conservative treatments don\’t work, you may need minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery to resolve the problem.
What if you can\’t work because of a knee problem?
If you are unable to do your job because of a repetitive knee injury that leads to a workers\’ compensation claim, you will need to take time off work to heal. You\’ll need to prove that your job caused your injury in order to qualify for compensation.
Getting workers\’ compensation can help you pay for medical bills until you\’re able to work again. It may also help you pay for living expenses while you can\’t work.