Receive Treatment From the Best Orthopedic Doctors in Wichita at Mid-America Orthopedics
Workplace injuries remain a significant concern for both employees and employers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion, harmful contact with objects and equipment, and falls and slips account for most workplace injuries. Not only do injuries affect the quality of life for the employee, but they can also result in lost productivity, costly medical expenses, and long-term healthcare issues.
Many workplace injuries involve the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments of the human body. Orthopedic doctors address these injuries, employing a range of treatments to restore function and alleviate pain. This blog explores the most common workplace injuries and how orthopedic doctors approach them.
Common Workplace Injuries That Require an Orthopedic Doctor
The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a report every other year that provides a statistical breakdown of the top work-related injury causes and which industries had the most instances. Tracking metrics include days away from work, job restriction, or transfer (DART), days away from work (DAFW), and days of job transfer or restriction (DJTR). The following four workplace-related injuries are primarily responsible for driving these statistics.
- Non-impact injuries: These injuries are the result of the physical effort it takes to perform a job function, often leading to overexertion. Activities may include throwing, carrying, holding, lifting, pushing, and turning. Moving company employees, for example, regularly handle heavy boxes and pieces of furniture, putting them at high risk for a non-impact injury.
- Contact injuries: A contact injury means an object or piece of equipment is somehow involved. An object, vehicle, or structure striking a worker is a common contact injury. Workers can also sustain these injuries by initiating contact with a harmful object or using equipment that excessively vibrates, such as a jackhammer.
- Repetitive strain injuries: Repetitive strain injuries are caused by repetitive motions and overuse of certain body parts, leading to tendon, nerve, and muscle damage. Office workers, assembly line workers, and those in professions requiring repetitive tasks are particularly susceptible. If ignored for too long, chronic pain, weakness, and tenderness in the affected area may develop.
- Slips, trips, and falls: What makes slips, trips, and falls particularly concerning is they can happen in virtually any workplace environment. A wet floor, loose cord, or unstable structures are all capable of causing this type of injury, potentially resulting in strains, sprains, herniated discs, fractures, and other orthopedic issues.
How Wichita Orthopedic Doctors Address Workplace-Related Injuries
The orthopedic doctors at Mid-America Orthopedics use a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat workplace injuries, focusing on reducing pain, promoting healing, and restoring function. Our physicians perform:
Diagnosis and assessment: The first step is a thorough evaluation, which may include physical examinations, medical history reviews, and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. By accurately diagnosing the condition and determining its severity, orthopedic doctors can develop effective treatment plans.
Non-surgical treatments: Fortunately, many workplace injuries can be effectively treated without surgery. Depending on the injury, your orthopedic doctor may recommend physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, occupational therapy, or behavioral modifications that help prevent recurrence.
Surgical interventions: In cases where non-surgical treatments are insufficient, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery to permanently resolve the issue. Minimally invasive techniques can reduce recovery time and the risk of complications. However, should you require traditional open surgery, you can take comfort in knowing Mid-America Orthopedics has some of the most experienced surgeons dedicated to your recovery.
Schedule an Exam With an Orthopedic Doctor Near You in Wichita
Workplace injuries can have profound effects on an individual’s life and livelihood. Orthopedic doctors are vital in addressing these injuries, offering specialized care to help patients recover and return to their daily activities and careers. Through a combination of expert diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and preventive measures, these physicians ensure that workers receive comprehensive care that minimizes long-term effects.
Contact the best orthopedic doctors and surgeons in Wichita today at Mid-America Orthopedics. Early intervention is key when dealing with workplace injuries, so a comprehensive exam with one of our physicians is the best place to start. Call our scheduling department at (316) 630-9300 or send us an email using the contact form on our website.