 Sprains,
strains, and tears to the muscles and connective tissue of the musculoskeletal
system are the most common on-the-job injuries. The National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that sprains and strains
to the lower extremities make up one-fourth of all those injuries.
Sprains, strains, and tears to the ligaments,
tendons, and muscles supporting the lower extremities can be an acute injury,
caused by improper lifting, squatting and twisting, being hit by falling
objects, or a misstep. Injuries to the lower extremities can also be caused
by overuse, resulting in inflammation of the muscles or connective tissue.
Often, injuries to the lower extremities
are the result of a number of factors, including poorly designed work areas
and excessive physical demand. Additionally, personal factors, such as
poor physical condition, poor posture, lack of exercise, and excessive
body weight, contribute greatly to the likelihood of an injury during work.
Conditions that can result from work-related
musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremities include:
Tendinitis
Bursitis
Tenosynovitis
Torn Meniscus
Damaged cartilage
Morton's
Neuroma
Stress fractures
Iliotibial
Band Syndrome
Find out more about the structures of
the lower extremities by clicking on one of the links below:
Lower Back
Hip
Knee
Foot and Ankle
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