Tendinitis - A Worker's Woe

22 June 2021

When you feel pain and tenderness in your tendons around your shoulder, elbows, or wrists, you might be suffering from tendinitis. It is reported to be common among adults who are over 40. Tendinitis is the soreness or irritation of a tendon, which is the thick fibrous cords that attach muscles to the bones. This situation causes pain and tenderness outside the joint. This commonly happens around the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

This condition is commonly named Tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow, Pitcher’s shoulder, Swimmer’s shoulder, and Jumper’s knee. This is also a common injury suffered by workers in their workplace which makes a great part of workplace injury claims every year. As it causes physical pain, it also affects the work hours of the injured employee. Below is the information retrieved from (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions) regarding tendinitis.

There are different conditions of tendinitis that may occur in the workplace or even at home such as: 

  • Bursitis of the shoulder - it is a form of tendonitis which occurs in the shoulder part that can cause pain in the front/or side that can move from your elbow to your forearm, and when you raise your arm over your head. This could last months and requires therapy to relieve you of that condition.
  • Tendinitis of the Achilles - this is an injury that often happens when there is overuse, it makes the Achilles tendon stretch, become swollen, and possibly tear due to weakened calf muscles. Work that requires a lot of stair climbing and intense leg work may lead to this injury.
  • Tennis elbow - this occurs during frequent turns of the wrist and gripping with your hands. This kind of tendonitis affects the tendon situated in the outer elbow and brings pain that can spread to the upper arm
  • Rotator cuff tendinitis - involves the situation of shoulder pain that extends to the upper arm. This may with jobs involving: pushing, pulling, reaching, arms lifting above the shoulder

The main cause of tendinitis is more likely to come from repetitive movements over time. Workers develop this condition because of the nature of their jobs and others because of their hobbies involving repetitive movements that place stress on the tendons.

While age is one risk factor for tendonitis, there are other factors that may contribute to its occurrence such as:

Occupation - tendinitis is more likely to happen when a job includes:

  1. Vibration
  2. Repetitive motions
  3. Periodic overhead reaching
  4. Forceful exertion
  5. Awkward position

Sports - when that kind of sports activity involves repetitive movements, tendinitis can occur in these sports games: basketball, bowling, golf, running, swimming, tennis, and baseball, among others

On a lighter note, there are some ways or suggestions to prevent the occurrence of tendinitis such as the following:

  • Stretch - After physical exercise does stretching to maximize the range of motion of your joints. This can help to reduce repetitive blows on tight issues. Stretching is best after exercising when your muscles have warmed up
  • Do a variety of exercises - when one activity or exercise causes pain, you might try something new or mix it up with other exercises such as running, biking, or swimming
  • Do muscle exercise to prepare your muscles and train them to withstand stress and load
  • Use ergonomic chairs and desks in the workplace that are recommended for your height, arm length, and usual tasks. This helps for the protection of all your joints and tendons from too much stress

Other preventive or courses of action for tendinitis condition can be done namely:

  • Apply cold compress or ice on the affected area
  • Take some breaks during work
  • Physical Therapy
  • Take anti-inflammatory medications
  • Use support wraps and guards
  • Rest the injury
  • Surgical options

When a situation calls that you have to report for tendinitis injury at work, you may need to report it to your supervisor immediately. In doing so, you may get treatment at an earlier stage and recover quickly. If left untreated this may become severe and more time is needed to heal which could affect your attendance and your work itself. You may also suggest some work adjustments to prevent further injury in the workplace.

For office furniture, there are ergonomically designed tables and chairs that are available in the market such as Flexispot. To prevent tendinitis, you may opt to use an ergonomic chair that is specially created and designed to prevent work injuries and to make the employee or worker work efficiently without the emotional stress of possible risk of injury.

One of the best ergonomic office chairs from Flexispot is the Ergonomic Office Chair OC3BThis office chair is ideal for employees who work with repetitive movements such as using the computer wherein your arms, hands, and wrists are in repetitive movements for long hours of work. It features reliable ergonomic support, the breathable mesh back and passive lumbar support release your body pressure while working in the office.

It also has a 3-position adjustable lifting armrest that allows you to have your arms rested in between your work hours so they prevent possible tendinitis injury in the shoulders and arms. 

The adjustable lifting headrest lets you release your neck and prevents it from possible neck pain and injury during intense work hours. A hanger is also provided to take care of your clothes.

On top of these, one great feature is that it has two tilting positions and a locking mechanism to tilt the chair when you want to rest your body during breaks in the office. Doesn’t it sound great?

So if you are looking for an office chair that will surely help you to become more productive sans possible injury such as tendinitis in the workplace, why not opt to buy this product from Flexispot? There is another home office furniture that is interesting and great finds in this manufacturing company.

This company is loved and trusted by millions all over the world as being an advocate for a worker’s productivity and physical fitness. Aside from that, the products are guaranteed for durability and stability aside from the creative and ergonomic designs that match your needs at the workplace.