Knee injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace. Repetitive motions, awkward sitting positions and sudden trauma can cause these injuries. While some knee injuries can be treated with rest and physical therapy, others may require surgery and long-term medical care.
Here are some of the most common types of work-related knee injuries.
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are the most common knee injuries in the workplace. They occur when the ligaments and muscles in the knee are stretched or torn. For example, this can happen when an employee slips and falls or twists their knee while lifting or carrying heavy objects.
Torn meniscus
The meniscus is a rubbery cartilage located between the thigh and shin bones, and it acts as a shock absorber. A torn meniscus can happen when an employee twists their knee while lifting or carrying heavy objects. It can also be caused by repetitive motions, such as kneeling or squatting, which stresses the knee.
Patellar tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis is an injury that occurs when the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone becomes inflamed. This can be caused by repetitive jumping or running, which puts a lot of stress on the patellar tendon. Employees who perform repetitive motions, such as those in construction or manufacturing, are at a higher risk for this type of injury.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid sacs cushioning the knee joint. It can be caused by repetitive kneeling, squatting or trauma to the knee. Employees who work in jobs that require them to kneel or squat frequently, such as plumbers or gardeners, are at a higher risk for this type of injury.
Fractures
Fractures are a common type of knee injury that can occur in the workplace. They can be caused by falls from heights or by heavy objects falling onto the knee. Fractures can take some time to heal and may require surgery and long-term medical care.
Suppose you have suffered a knee injury in the workplace. In that case, your employer may be responsible for covering your medical expenses and providing compensation for any time you take off work.