Continuously performing the same action places significant stress on tendons. Many workers develop tendonitis because their jobs involve repetitive motion, hour after hour, year after year. Workers’ comp tendonitis claims are prevalent in industries like agriculture and manufacturing, but any worker who must repeat specific motions to do their job is at risk.
If you have work-related tendonitis, you could qualify for workers’ compensation. However, many employers or their insurance carriers make it difficult for you to access money for medical treatment and lost wages. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney with Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can help you understand your rights. We can help you pursue tendonitis workers’ compensation settlements that relieve your financial pressure. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis occurs when a tendon (a thick, stretchy cord that connects muscle to bone) gets irritated or inflamed. It usually happens because of overuse or from doing the same motion many times, causing pain and swelling in the affected area. While tendonitis can occur in any of your tendons, it frequently strikes around the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.
Over time, if not treated, the affected muscle might become weaker because you’re avoiding using it due to pain. You could develop a chronic condition, such as the tendon degenerating, leading to mobility issues.
Signs You May Have Tendonitis
A medical professional can determine if you have tendonitis. Sufferers typically have one or more of these common symptoms:
- Pain: A sharp ache or burning sensation, especially when moving the affected limb or joint. The pain becomes more pronounced after moving the affected area and may be particularly noticeable at night.
- Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling might occur around the joint near the tendon.
- Stiffness: The joint might feel stiff, primarily upon waking or after periods of inactivity.
- Limited range of motion: Moving the affected area entirely or without pain might be difficult.
- Tenderness: The area may be tender to the touch.
- Redness or warmth: Sometimes, the skin over the affected area can become red or feel warm.
- Crepitus: Moving the affected joint creates a creaking or grating sensation.
Most Common Causes of Tendonitis
The primary cause of tendonitis is repetitive motion or overuse. In the context of workers’ comp tendonitis, jobs requiring repetitive movement, lifting, or joint strain can put workers at a higher risk.
Tendinitis is an occupational hazard for workers in physically demanding jobs such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. These workers tend to perform repeated tasks that involve:
- Repetitive motions
- Overhead reaching actions
- Awkward positions
- Vibration (e.g., a construction worker using a jackhammer)
- Forced movements
Common Types of Work-Related Tendonitis Injuries
Workers whose jobs require repeated motions often develop tendonitis injuries. Here are the most common:
- Lateral or medial epicondylitis: Sometimes called “tennis or golfer’s elbow,” carpenters and others who use hand tools are at risk for this painful inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outer and inner elbow.
- Rotator cuff tendonitis: Painters, farm workers, and warehouse workers often have to lift their arms overhead, which strains the tendons and muscles that help move the shoulder joint.
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: Often confused with carpal tunnel syndrome (it’s not the same), workers who type or use a computer mouse are at risk for developing this painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
- Achilles tendonitis: Workers who stand for long hours on hard surfaces or frequently use ladders can suffer from Achilles tendonitis, which affects the calf muscles extending to the heel bone.
Is Tendonitis Considered a Work-Related Injury in PA?
Like many other states, Pennsylvania accepts tendonitis as a work-related injury with proper documentation. Employees who prove that their job-related activities caused or worsened tendonitis could file for tendonitis workers’ comp. Nearly all employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Disease Acts.
Starting from the first day of employment, PA workers who get hurt, sick, or experience a worsened medical condition due to their required tasks can seek compensation for necessary medical expenses, typically without regard to employee fault. The worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits until:
- They have medically recovered without any limitations, as determined by either an agreement or the verdict of a workers’ compensation judge.
- They have successfully resumed their previous pre-injury job role to their full capacity.
- They are medically fit to undertake another available job role without any salary reduction.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
In cases of workers’ comp tendonitis, the injured party may receive benefits covering:
- Medical bills related to the tendonitis injury, including services from physicians, surgeons, or other health care providers, including chiropractors
- A portion of lost wages for time off or work restrictions for tendonitis equal to approximately two-thirds of the worker’s salary
- Specific loss benefits if the injury results in permanent loss of use of certain body parts
- Rehabilitation services, if needed
Determining the tendonitis workers’ comp settlement amount will depend on the severity of the injury, the anticipated future medical expenses, and the extent to which the injury affects the worker’s capacity to earn.
Could My Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied?
Yes. There is no approval guarantee for your workers’ comp claim. The most common reasons for claim denial include:
- Your tendonitis is not work-related.
- You did not file your workers’ comp claim within the deadline.
- Your employer disputes the claim.
- The insurance company says there is insufficient medical evidence to support your claim.
You may appeal a denied workers’ comp tendonitis claim. However, it might be best to consult an experienced attorney familiar with Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law before undertaking an appeal.
Call Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. to Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you believe you’ve developed tendonitis due to your job-related activities, acting quickly is essential. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be intricate, and understanding your rights and the value of your claim is critical. The dedicated attorneys at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can help you navigate the complexities of tendonitis workers’ comp claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.
