Nerve and Tendon Injuries in Illinois Workers

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Nerve and tendon injuries are some of the most frustrating problems an Illinois worker can face. They’re painful, they interfere with even simple tasks, and they often don’t get better on their own. The biggest issue? These injuries usually sneak up on people. Instead of happening in a single accident, they tend to develop slowly over time—weeks, months, or even years—until the pain is impossible to ignore. Many workers chalk the symptoms up to getting older, take some over-the-counter pain meds, and keep pushing through. Unfortunately, that can make things worse and delay the medical care they really need.

What Are Nerve and Tendon Injuries?

Tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing the body to move smoothly. Nerves control sensation and muscle function. When either of these structures is irritated, stretched, compressed, or torn, the result can be significant pain, weakness, tingling, and loss of mobility. These injuries can come from repetitive motions, awkward postures, or overuse—common in many physical jobs—or from acute trauma like lifting something heavy or catching yourself during a fall.

Because nerve and tendon tissue heals slowly, workers often need ongoing treatment, rest, physical therapy, or even surgery to get back on track.

Common Examples of These Injuries

Workers in all kinds of industries experience nerve and tendon injuries. Some of the most frequent include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the wrist)
• Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression at the elbow)
• Tendonitis, especially in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder
• Rotator cuff tears or labrum injuries
• Golfer’s or tennis elbow (medial epicondylitis or lateral epicondylitis)
• Trigger finger, where a finger locks or catches
• Peripheral nerve damage from repetitive strain or trauma

These conditions can cause numbness, shooting pain, decreased grip strength, stiffness, and difficulty performing everyday work tasks.

Which Workers Are Most at Risk?

Any job requiring repetition, force, or awkward positioning puts workers at risk. Assembly-line workers, warehouse staff, construction laborers, carpenters, meat-processing workers, delivery drivers, nurses, CNAs, and office employees who type for long hours all routinely develop nerve or tendon problems. Even light duty jobs can cause serious injuries if the work is repetitive enough.

Remember, these injuries often develop gradually. Just because there isn’t one specific accident doesn’t mean that the condition isn’t work-related.

How an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Nerve and tendon injuries are difficult to diagnose and treat, and insurance companies regularly try to downplay or deny them. They may claim your condition is degenerative, age-related, or not connected to your job. A workers’ compensation attorney helps cut through that noise. They make sure you get evaluated by qualified doctors, gather medical evidence that supports your claim, and fight for benefits including medical treatment, wage loss, therapy, and surgery if needed.