Tips to prevent overuse injuries at work

Connor Finklea, DMSc, PA-C

Overuse injuries plague many in our community, whether sustained at work or at home. Here are a few tips on how you can help keep yourself safe while you are providing for yourself and those you love. 

Utilize ergonomic lifting techniques and use assistive gear. It’s cool to be safe while working! Using knee pads, lifting straps, proper shoewear and other assistive devices can help keep you safe while performing tasks. 

Warm up and take breaks. When performing a repetitive task, starting out by performing a proper full-body warm-up with dynamic stretching will help your muscles to handle all that you require of them and reduce your chance of injury. Resting when possible will help your body to recover and be able to keep on going while staying safe. 

Manage fatigue and avoid working excessive hours. Working 50 to 60+ hours a week makes for a nice paycheck, but it is taking a toll on your body and can lead to an increased chance of workplace injuries that are otherwise preventable. Fatigue from work can cause reduced cognitive awareness, physical impairments and put you and others at risk. Make sure to fuel your body with whole foods and proper nutrition that will give you the energy you need to work hard and stay alert. 

Lastly, if you do happen to get injured on or off the job, report it if necessary and seek an evaluation. Minimally invasive and non-operative options exist that can help you feel better and get back to activity faster. If it requires surgical management, our orthopedic department, Dr. Darin Allred, MD, and Connor Finklea, DMSc, PA-C, can provide the surgical services necessary to get you moving like you should and fixed right. We are here to help you recover faster and heal quickly so you can enjoy life and your activities. Bottom line: Proper planning prevents poor performance…and overuse injuries; stay safe out there!