Work Injury

Workplace injuries can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, from difficulty performing routine tasks to psychological damage. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kamal Aderibigbe, MD, diagnoses and treats all types of work injuries at his state-of-the-art offices in Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa. He works with you to ensure you receive timely, quality care as quickly as possible. Call the office closest to you today or schedule an appointment online if you sustain a work injury that demands treatment.

What are the most common work injuries?

Workplace injuries are physical injuries or illnesses that occur as a result of job-related activities. They can occur in many forms and range in severity from mild to life-threatening. A workplace injury can happen at any time. Understanding the different types ensures you’re aware of when to seek treatment. 

Some of the most common work injuries include: 

• Strains and sprains
• Cuts and lacerations
• Fractures
• Back injuries
• Neck pain 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Certain occupations can also increase your risk of hearing loss and respiratory illnesses. Many jobs that require physical labor and exposure to hazardous chemicals can even lead to long-term skin disorders. 

What are the signs of a work injury?

The signs of a work injury vary depending on its severity and type. Common signs of work injuries typically include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Redness
• Limited range of motion
• Low mobility
• Weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty performing tasks

Work injuries can stop you from performing your job duties and may even affect your ability to complete daily activities.

How do I know if I’m at risk of a work injury?

Workers in physically demanding jobs, such as construction workers, healthcare workers, and truck drivers, are particularly susceptible to work injuries. Other factors that increase the risk of workplace injuries include:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Lack of proper training
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Lack of personal protective equipment
• Inadequate staffing
• Older age
• Pre-existing medical conditions

Working closely with your health care team allows you to take precautionary steps to prevent workplace injuries.

How is a work injury diagnosed?

Diagnosing a work injury requires a thorough medical history review and physical exam. Dr. Aderibigbe may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or bone scans. To further investigate your symptoms, he can also order blood work and other types of lab testing.

What are the most effective work injury treatments?

The personalized treatment plan Dr. Aderibigbe creates depends on several factors, including your medical history, symptoms, age, and lifestyle. After a comprehensive review, he may recommend:

• Immobilization (cast, brace, or splint)
• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• Pain management medications
• Orthopedic surgery

Seeking timely and effective treatment is crucial for promoting healing and improving your quality of life. Call Kamal Aderibigbe, MD, or schedule an appointment online to receive personalized treatment for your work injury and get back to work safely.