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A wrist injury can be difficult, limiting, and often painful. When you sustain a wrist injury at work, it takes a toll on your health, well-being, and financial security. Fortunately, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical treatment for your wrist injury and lost wages from time off work. However, you should not go through the claims process alone.
At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we’ve seen the impact of a wrist injury at work firsthand. In addition, we know how much the proper medical treatment and documentation make a difference in a workers’ compensation case. That’s why we help build your workers’ compensation case as you recover. Our medical professionals are well-versed in the workers’ compensation claims process and will create a full record of your injury, treatment, and progress, as well as develop a permanent partial disability rating for you and your workers’ compensation attorney. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
If you've injured your wrist at work, here are some steps you can take:
Remember, always take wrist injuries seriously and seek prompt medical attention to prevent further complications and facilitate a speedy recovery.
Consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Common treatments for work-related wrist injuries depend on the specific type and severity of the injury, but they may include:
Resting the wrist and avoiding activities exacerbating pain or discomfort can help facilitate healing.
Applying ice packs to the injured wrist can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Using ice for about 15-20 minutes is typically recommended several times a day.
A compression bandage or wrist brace can help stabilize the injured wrist and reduce swelling.
Elevating the injured wrist above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and promote fluid drainage.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help ease pain and discomfort.
In cases of more severe wrist injuries, such as fractures or severe sprains, immobilization with a splint or cast may be necessary to allow the injury to heal correctly.
A physical therapist can provide exercises and stretches to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist and hand.
Occupational therapists can provide strategies and adaptations to help individuals safely return to work and perform job tasks without making the injury worse.
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, particularly for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
In severe or persistent wrist injuries, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues, realign fractured bones, or release compressed nerves.
These are just a few examples of the common types of wrist injuries in the workplace. Preventive measures such as ergonomic adjustments, proper lifting techniques, and regular breaks can help reduce the risk of these injuries. If you experience a wrist injury at work, seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments, and it houses the median nerve and the tendons that control finger movement.
When the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing, assembly line work, or using vibrating tools; wrist anatomy; certain medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid disorders; pregnancy; obesity; and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking.
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. If you suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Wrist pain can have a significant impact on daily life, as it affects various activities and tasks that require the use of the hands and wrists. Here are some ways in which wrist pain can impact daily life:
Difficulty Performing Work Tasks. Wrist pain can make it challenging to perform tasks related to one's job, especially if it involves repetitive motions or manual labor. This can lead to decreased productivity and may require time off work for rest and recovery.
Limited Ability To Use Hands. Wrist pain can limit the range of motion and strength in the hands and wrists, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as typing on a keyboard, writing, cooking, cleaning, or driving.
Impact on Hobbies and Leisure Activities. Activities such as playing musical instruments, gardening, sports, or crafting may become difficult or impossible due to wrist pain. This can lead to frustration and a loss of enjoyment in hobbies and leisure activities.
Decreased Independence. Wrist pain can affect one's ability to perform basic tasks independently, such as dressing, grooming, and preparing meals. This may require assistance from others or the use of adaptive devices to maintain independence.
Sleep Disturbances. Wrist pain can interfere with sleep, especially if it worsens at night or if certain sleeping positions exacerbate the pain. This can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased daytime functioning.
Emotional Impact. Chronic wrist pain can take a toll on emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, stress, anxiety, or depression. It can also impact relationships and social interactions if the pain limits participation in activities or causes mood changes.
Risk of Secondary Health Issues. Compensating for wrist pain by using other parts of the body can lead to muscle imbalances, joint stiffness, and additional pain in other areas, such as the shoulders, neck, or back. Overall, wrist pain can significantly impact quality of life and overall well-being. It's essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment to manage wrist pain effectively and minimize its impact on daily activities.
Healing a broken wrist typically involves a combination of immobilization, alignment of the fractured bones, pain management, and rehabilitation. Overall, healing a broken wrist requires patience, adherence to medical advice, and commitment to rehabilitation exercises to optimize recovery and minimize the risk of long-term complications such as stiffness, weakness, or arthritis. Here's an overview of the steps involved in healing a broken wrist:
If you suspect you have a broken wrist, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination, often including imaging tests such as X-rays or a CT scan, to diagnose the fracture and assess its severity.
In many cases of wrist fractures, immobilization is necessary to allow the bones to heal correctly. This may involve wearing a splint, cast, or brace to stabilize the wrist and prevent further movement or displacement of the fractured bones. The type of immobilization and duration will depend on the severity and location of the fracture.
In some cases, mainly if the bones are displaced or misaligned, a healthcare professional may need to manipulate or realign the fractured bones to ensure proper healing. This may be done manually (closed reduction) or surgically (open reduction) under anesthesia.
Broken wrists can be painful, especially in the immediate aftermath of the injury and during the healing process. Pain management strategies may include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, prescription pain medications, or nerve blocks for more severe pain.
Once the initial acute phase of healing is complete and the immobilization device is removed, rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy may be prescribed to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist joint and surrounding muscles. This may include gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy techniques, and functional activities to gradually reintroduce the wrist to normal activities.
It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider as scheduled to monitor the healing process and to ensure that the wrist is progressing as expected. X-rays may be taken periodically to assess the healing of the fracture.
The timing of returning to normal activities, including work and sports, will depend on the severity and location of the fracture, as well as individual factors such as healing progress and functional ability. Your healthcare provider will provide guidance on when it's safe to resume specific activities and any precautions or modifications that may be necessary.
At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we provide comprehensive care for injured workers with wrist injuries, focusing on effective treatment while meticulously documenting their medical care for their workers' compensation cases.
If you have suffered a wrist injury at work, we’re equipped and ready to help you heal while building a case to receive the benefits you deserve, facilitating a smooth resolution of your case, and ensuring a safe return to work.
If you or a loved one has experienced a wrist injury on the job, contact Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee right away. Our team is here to provide the support and care you need to navigate the challenges of wrist injury recovery while documenting your treatment properly for your workers’ compensation claim. We work closely with our injury patients and help ensure a swift recovery, a stress-free workers' compensation claims process, and a safe return to work.
If you are not receiving proper care for your injury, you have the right under Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Law to choose your own doctor and to get a second opinion.
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