Tendonitis is a common work-related injury that is covered under workers’ compensation benefits, as long as it is linked to job-related accidents or repetitive stress injuries.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is a painful and debilitating medical condition caused by inflammation, swelling, and irritation of a tendon, a fibrous, corded tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Tendons are found throughout the human body in the hands, elbows, upper arms, knees, ankles, and feet. When these tendons become inflamed, the result is usually pain, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty moving the affected body part.
Tendonitis is related to the overuse of tendons. Common types of work-related tendonitis seen by work injury lawyers include:
- Bicep Tendonitis — Caused by heavy lifting, throwing, and repetitive arm movements
- Tennis Elbow — Caused by repetitive motions of wrists and arms
- Golfer’s Elbow — Caused by repetitive grasping motions of hands and fingers
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis — Caused by repetitive lifting of the upper arms and shoulders
- Jumper’s Knee — Caused by stretching, jumping, or climbing
- Achilles Tendonitis — Caused by continuous standing, walking, and ill-fitted shoes
Since tendonitis is typically caused by the overuse of certain limbs, work-related tendonitis is seen more often in certain occupations.
Manual Labor
Manual labor jobs require frequent repetitive movements of the hands, arms, and legs. Occupations at high risk for developing tendonitis include construction workers; roofers; carpenters; mechanics; assembly-line workers; maintenance workers; and plumbers.
Many manual labor jobs also require constant overhead reaching, which puts added strain on tendons and joints. Workers at risk include carpenters, painters, warehouse workers, electricians, window washers, and grocery store stockers.
Desk and Computer Jobs
Office jobs and professions that require daily use of a computer may increase the risk of tendonitis due to repetitive stress injuries. These types of jobs require constant use of wrists, hands, and fingers when using a keyboard and a mouse, as well as constant forward reaching motions that strain the arms and shoulders.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Illinois, all workers who suffer work-related injuries, including tendonitis, are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under state laws. Illinois employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance provided by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC).
When work-related injuries occur, a worker can file a workers’ compensation claim with his or her employers or a work injury lawyer to recover damages. Workers’ compensation benefits will cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses necessary to return to work.
