Common Types of Knee Injuries in the Workplace

The knee is the largest joint in the body—and it is also a joint that may be under constant stress, especially at work. We regularly require our knees to carry our entire body weight while walking or climbing stairs–and even more than our total body weight when we’re lifting. So it should come as little surprise that knee injuries are among the most common work-related injuries. Knee injuries can occur in almost any kind of workplace, from offices to factories and schools to hospitals, and they can be caused by anything from slip-and-fall accidents to simple overuse. Let’s summarize some of the most common types of knee injuries that frequently occur in the workplace.

Sprains and Strains

Knee sprains and strains are different types of injuries, but both can be quite common in the workplace. A strain occurs when a tendon is stretching or tearing in the knee (the tissue that connects bone to muscle). A sprain refers to the stretching or tearing of a ligament (the tissue that connects bone to bone). Sprains and strains typically occur when a knee is bent or twisted in an awkward position or overexertion by consistent heavy lifting.

Bursitis

The term “bursitis” refers to any inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons and skin or surrounding bones. A sudden impact can cause bursitis of the knee, but it often develops due to consistent, repetitive motion.

Meniscus Injuries

The meniscus is a two-piece pad of cartilage located in the knee, and it works to protect and cushion the ends of bones. Meniscus injuries (such as tears) can occur because of direct impact or develop due to overuse or overexertion.

Fractures

Knee fractures are most likely to occur when the knee is either directly impacted or bent in the wrong way. Fractures typically result from a fall directly onto the knee.

Getting Compensation for Work-Related Knee Injuries

Many employers think of knee pain as “just a part of the job,” but that pain may be a signal of a developing knee injury, just the same as if you directly injured your knee through a workplace accident. In whatever way the injury occurs, if it happens in the course of work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment, recovery costs, vocational rehabilitation services, and lost wages if the knee injury prevents you from working. You may also be eligible for disability income payments if the injury prevents you from returning to your old job.

If you’re one of the many workers who has suffered a minor or severe knee injury in the workplace, the attorneys at Accident Defenders can help ensure you receive the full compensation to which you’re entitled. Call us at 323-818-HURT or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

 

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