Work Injuries Specialist

What are work injuries?

Work injuries happen in the workplace or in the course of work duties. A work injury usually occurs suddenly but can also build up over time. 

Physical movements like lifting, climbing, and moving heavy loads are all common reasons for work injuries, as are accidents like damage from dropped objects. But, a work injury can happen in many other ways as well.

What are the most common work injuries?

Some of the most common on-the-job injuries include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fractures
• Disc herniation
• Cartilage tears
• Dislocations
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff tears

Sometimes, severe work injuries may involve a few types of damage, such as a fracture along with a sprain.

What should I do when I have a work injury?

If you have a work injury, stop whatever you're doing and report your injury to the appropriate supervisor. Follow your employer's specific protocols for work injuries to the letter, and document everything you do. Then, contact Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine as soon as possible to arrange your injury evaluation. 

How are work injuries diagnosed?

Your evaluation is a crucial part of the diagnostic process because it identifies and documents your symptoms and the factors that led to your injury. 

The evaluation includes a medical history review, physical exam, and diagnostic imaging with an on-site X-ray. In some cases, you may need additional diagnostic testing, for example, diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a computed tomography (CT) scan.

How are work injuries treated?

Conservative care, typically including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, and other noninvasive treatments, is the first approach for most workplace injuries. During your recovery, you may need to stop working or modify your duties significantly. 

If you have a severe injury, like a complex fracture or a ruptured ligament, you may need minimally invasive surgery. Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine often performs arthroscopic surgery, which requires much smaller incisions than standard surgery. Arthroscopic surgery reduces the risk of recovery complications and allows you to recover faster.

The Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team is here to walk you through the recovery process so you can get back to work and life sooner. Book your appointment by calling the office or clicking the online booking link now.