Musculoskeletal Disorders – Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are two types of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or soft tissue injuries.  In the work environment, trains and sprains are caused by excessive reaching, bending, lifting, gripping, squatting, or twisting of hands, shoulders or body.  In general, any work performed with high force, or in a position that feels awkward is risky.  Even simple motions can cause a soft tissue injury if you move suddenly or you are in an abnormal position.  These injuries are painful and take time to heal.  Below is some information that may help you in preventing a strain or sprain.  First let’s understand the difference between a sprain and a strain.

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament (a band of fibrous tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). A sprain can result from a fall, a sudden twist or blow to the body that causes a joint to move out of its normal position and stretches or tears the ligaments supporting that joint.  Common sites in the body where sprains occur are the ankle, knees and wrist.

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (a fibrous cord of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone). A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon.  Strains can be either acute or chronic.  An acute strain is associated with a recent injury or trauma.  It can also occur following improperly lifting heavy objects or overstressing the muscles.

Aspects of work tasks that can lead to fatigue, musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms and injuries, or other types of problems may be present in one or more tasks that employees must perform to accomplish their jobs. The contributing factors that employers and employees should be aware of may include, working in awkward positions, lifting objects that are too heavy or sudden movements.

Here are some simple steps to help prevent these annoying and painful injuries:

1. Stretch before and during work to warm-up muscles and help relieve strain
2. Lift with the legs and keep the back straight. Keep weight close to the body. Never twist while lifting or setting an object down.  Get help with heavy loads.
3. Position your body so you don’t have to overreach, this prevents awkward working positions.
4. Use a Wellness Program to help you get and stay physically fit.
5. If you are injured, report it immediately; waiting to see if it gets better could cause further injury.