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Wrist Pain

Wrist pain is a condition that most workers and employees grapple with these days due to the demanding nature of their work.

The persistent strain on employees’ wrists, stemming from prolonged periods of typing and mouse usage, tends to take a toll on their overall physical well-being. Despite your employee’s commitment to their responsibilities, any prolonged tasks of a repetitive nature can lead to discomfort and pain in their wrists.

As the employer, you are responsible for implementing the relevant measures and exploring ergonomic solutions to alleviate their suffering. By providing ergonomic equipment, encouraging regular breaks, and offering guidance on proper wrist posture, there are a lot of injuries related to wrist pain that can be avoided.

However, that is not always the case, and your employee can end up compromising their long-term well-being by not prioritizing their health. In such an event, occupational healthcare providers such as Work Partners emerge as a much-needed source of expertise to treat, diagnose, and rehabilitate workplace injuries, such as wrist pain.

Common Wrist Pain Conditions

How To Prevent Employee Wrist Pain At Work?

ICD-10 Codes for Wrist Pain

Wrist Pain Causes

Wrist Pain Location

What is the Average Settlement for Work-Related Wrist Pain?

Wrist pain is considered to be one of the most common side effects of today’s workplace. If your employee is suffering from any condition, such as repetitive strain injuries, bursitis, or wrist tendinitis, they may file for a settlement.

Factors Affecting the Settlement Amount That Your Employee Might Claim

The severity of the injury
Medical expenses
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Lost wages
Permanent disability
Future medical expenses
Insurance policy limits
Pre-existing health conditions
Negligence of the employer

It is important to note that a wrist injury caused at work is usually paid out only by the worker’s compensation carrier. If the injury has not disabled the employee and does not require surgery, the payout in a wrist pain settlement might not be that high for your employee.

What is the Worker's Compensation for Wrist Pain?

The workers’ compensation system is specifically designed to provide benefits to any employees who suffer from job-related injuries or illnesses, covering medical expenses and providing compensation for lost wages. The settlement amount for a worker’s compensation claim related to wrist pain due to work-related injuries can vary widely based on numerous factors.

A couple of factors that could influence the compensation amount for wrist pain include:

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical treatment, including diagnostic tests, doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, and medications, is a significant factor in determining the settlement amount.

Lost Wages

Compensation for lost wages during the recovery period, including temporary disability benefits, may contribute to the settlement.

Permanent Impairment

If the wrist injury results in permanent impairment or disability, the compensation amount may be higher to take into account the long-term impact on the employee’s ability to continue work and earn a living.

Rehabilitation & Therapy Costs

The compensation claim may consider expenses related to rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing treatment.

Total Medical Expenses

Anticipated future medical expenses, including follow-up treatments, surgeries, or medications, add up to the compensation claim put forward by your worker.

Workers' Compensation Laws

The jurisdiction’s workers’ compensation laws play a role in determining the maximum benefits available. Different states have varying regulations and benefit structures.

What Work Partners Can Do If Your Employee is Suffering from Work-Related Wrist Pain

Work Partners is your convenient companion to make sure that your employees get the healthcare they require in the workplace and prevent occupational health hazards.

Here is what Work Partners can do if your employee or you, as an employee, suffers from a wrist sprain at the workplace.

Abbreviations Used:

IW – Injured Worker

EE – Employee

ER – Emergency Room

HSE – Health & Safety Environment Officer

The IW Is Recommended To Follow The PRICE Guidelines*

Protect

Provide common sense protection to the affected joint after a wrist sprain to prevent further injury.

Rest

Common sense activities as the IW continues to work. May continue to work as tolerated.

Ice

Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours as practical for 48 hours. May alternate with warm, moist heat after 48 hours. Apply firm pressure on ice over the injured area.

Epsom Salt

Mix 1 cup of Epsom salts in a bucket/tub of warm-hot water.
Stir until dissolved.
Insert the joint into the water until the water cools to room temperature, or soak a towel in the Epsom Salt water, wring it out, and apply it to the joint.

Compression

IW may use a compression sleeve or ace wrap to help reduce swelling.

Elevation

Keep the joint elevated if possible. May use a sling to immobilize a shoulder or elbow injury.

Medication

Alternating an OTC ibuprofen (2 tablets of 200 mg pills) 3 times per day. Do not exceed 1200 mg in one day.

IW can use 2 Tylenol tablets of 325 mg 3 times per day (not to exceed 2000 mg per day).

IW can also use OTC topical creams/ointments such as Bio Freeze, BenGay, or Tiger Balm per label instruction as needed.

*Disclaimer: Work Partners USA is only acting as a safety advisor to the company and its representatives, not the injured worker. When we talk to the injured worker, we are doing it on behalf of the company, not as an advisor to the injured worker.

The EE or Supervisor may contact a doctor at Work Partners at any time should there be any questions or concerns. The doctor at Work Partners should also be contacted if there is a desire to go to a clinic or ER so that they may contact the Supervisor or the HSE and the receiving facility.

Conclusion

Identifying the location of your employee’s wrist pain is crucial for implementing targeted interventions and ergonomic adjustments to alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues. If an employee is experiencing persistent wrist pain, it is advisable for them to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing and preventing work-related injuries.

Contact Work Partners today to find out more about how you can minimize workplace injuries and protect your employees.