Epicondylitis

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers at Kantrovitz & Associates have over 20 years of experience recovering compensation for victims injured in the workplace. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, we work closely with clients in communities including Middlesex, Essex, Plymouth, Merrimack River, Norfolk, and Suffolk, to provide personalized guidance through the workers’ compensation system. Trust Kantrovitz & Associates to defend your rights and eliminate obstacles to relief.

Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as “tennis” or “golf” elbow, affects the muscle and tendon around the elbow. The condition is named for the bony protuberance on the outside and inside of the elbow, the epicondyle. No longer reserved for just athletes, epicondylitis may also be caused by various accidents on the job, including those involving:

• Cleaning
• Carpentry
• Vacuuming
• Wrist injuries
• Landscaping
• Typing, lifting
• Assembly lines
• Mechanic work
• Repetitive stress
• Hand-braced falls
• Construction work

Epicondylitis generally occurs in the worker’s dominant or favored arm. Although the condition affects as many as 50 percent of tennis players, less than 5 percent of all tennis elbow diagnoses are actually related to the sport. Most often, epicondylitis is part of an overall degenerative disease known as osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Tennis elbow can be caused by overuse of the hand, arm, or forearm, which is common in most workplaces. Whether stationed in a cubicle or construction site, the constant motion of pushing, pulling, and stretching takes its toll on the muscles and tendons of the elbow. Symptoms or indicators of epicondylitis may include:

• History of tightly gripping objects
• Growing pain around inside of elbow
• Numbness or pain radiating down arm
• Worsened pain when shaking or squeezing
• Inability to stabilize or move wrist with force in order to:
  • Lift utensils
  • Push objects
  • Open jars
  • Use tools

Doctors may have difficulty diagnosing epicondylitis because elbow pain is common in other conditions as well. Once diagnosed, the condition may be treated using oral and topical anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone shots. The best course of treatment is to decrease stress on the injured joint and allow it to heal.

Workplace Accidents and Injuries

Treatment of epicondylitis demands reduction or elimination of abuse to the elbow. However, the need to survive and provide often forces employees to work through the pain. Employers must provide equipment and compensation for treatment to decrease inflammation, including:

• Forearm bands
• Proper training
• Physical therapy
• Medical treatment
• Use of a counter brace
• Preventive equipment
• Compensation for mileage, parking for care
• Lighter duty (exacerbation)
• Surgery, prescription medication

Workers with pre-existing injuries must be careful to avoid aggravating the condition. But if an accident worsens the injury, workers’ compensation may be available. This requires employers to provide for renewed medical care and disability leave.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Massachusetts laws provide an insurance system for job-related injuries such as epicondylitis. If workers can demonstrate that the condition was caused or exacerbated by a workplace accident, the employer and its insurer must cover the cost, regardless of fault. A successful workers’ compensation claim entitles patients to temporary benefits in cash payments reflecting a certain portion of their weekly wage. Disability payments continue for the duration of the injury.

Recover Benefits Today

If you suffer from epicondylitis at work, contact the Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys of Kantrovitz & Associates today. For over 20 years, we have helped victims of workplace injuries recover benefits and relief. Whether you require legal assistance filing a successful claim or representation on appeal, we have the experience and knowledge required to effectively pursue compensation while you are injured. For a free consultation, please call 800-367-0871 or contact us online.