Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs)

Tendonitis

The tendons, most commonly of the hands and wrists, become inflamed from overuse or excessive tension. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and weakness of the involved area. Tenosynovitis Some tendons, notably those at the wrist, have sheaths around them to help them glide more easily.

Tenosynovitis

is an inflammation of the tendon and its sheath. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and pain in the hand or arm.

Epicondylitis

The muscles that flex and extend the wrist have their origins on two bony prominences at the elbow called epicondyles. Inflammation of the lateral epicondyle, where the extensor muscles originate, is more common and is popularly known as "tennis elbow." Inflammation of the medial epicondyle, where the flexor muscles originate, is popularly known as "golfers elbow." Symptoms include pain, sometimes with some swelling and weakness, especially with gripping.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Caused by too much pressure on the median nerve which runs through the wrist. Early symptoms may include numbness or tingling and burning sensations in the fingers. An aching sensation and wrist pain (mostly at night) are also typical in many cases.

Trigger Finger

This condition results when a tendon sheath is sufficiently swollen, causing the tendon to lock in the sheath. A snapping or jerking movement occurs when attempting to move the finger.

Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a complex interweaving of tendons and connective tissue around the shoulder joint that keeps the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) in the joint socket while permitting the wide range of normal shoulder movement. When this structure is injured (inflamed, torn) symptoms usually include pain and limited movement of the shoulder.

De Quiervain's Disease

This is a particular tenosynovitis (see above) that affects tendons on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. Symptoms include pain and difficulty in movement of the thumb or wrist.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Nerves from the neck to the arms travel through the thoracic outlet, where they may be compressed, often by muscles which have become shortened from a forward slouching posture. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in multiple locations from the neck to the fingers.

Vibration White Finger

Prolonged, excessive vibration can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels in the fingers, causing what is known as Raynaud's Phenomenon, a combination of paleness, tingling and pain in the fingertips.