The Importance of Early Diagnosis for Elbow and Wrist Injuries for Tradies
Tradies are the backbone of many industries, often taking on physically demanding tasks that require strength, endurance, and skill. However, with the nature of their work comes a heightened risk of injury, particularly to the elbow and wrist. These injuries, if not diagnosed and treated early, can severely impact a tradie’s ability to work, sometimes leading to long-term disability.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell is an Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon specialising in elbow, wrist, and shoulder injury treatment.
Injuries Common to Tradies
Tradie are prone to a variety of elbow and wrist injuries, many of which result from repetitive movements, overuse, or accidents while handling tools and equipment. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition occurs when the tendons in the elbow become overloaded, usually due to repetitive motion involving gripping and lifting. Despite its name, tennis elbow is common among tradies who frequently use their arms and wrists in tasks like hammering, lifting, or using power tools.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): RSIs are common among those who engage in repetitive tasks, such as screwing in bolts, drilling, or using vibrating tools like jackhammers. These actions can lead to strain on the muscles, tendons, and nerves, often causing pain, weakness, or numbness in the affected areas.
- Ligament Tears: Heavy lifting or sudden movements can cause ligament tears in the wrist or elbow. Tradies who often carry heavy loads or use their arms to stabilise themselves while working are at risk of damaging the connective tissues that keep these joints functioning properly.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): This condition arises when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among tradies who perform frequent gripping or wrist-flexing activities, such as using pliers, screwdrivers, or other tools that require repetitive hand movements.
The nature of tradie work—heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and extensive tool use—creates the perfect storm for these injuries. Whether it’s laying bricks, operating a jackhammer, or climbing scaffolding, the physical demands placed on a tradie’s elbows and wrists make them susceptible to both acute and chronic conditions.
Why Early Diagnosis is Critical Among Tradies
Without proper care, minor strains or inflammation can escalate into more serious issues, such as chronic tendonitis, nerve damage, or even fractures. What starts as mild pain during work can become severe, leading to the need for more invasive treatments or even surgery.
Early diagnosis allows for prompt treatment, which can reduce recovery time. Ignoring the early signs of injury can result in months of lost work due to the need or more extensive rehabilitation.
If injuries become severe, they can permanently affect a tradie’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks. Chronic pain or reduced mobility in the elbows and wrists can make it difficult or even impossible to continue working in a hands-on trade.
Consult with an Adelaide Elbow Specialist
Signs Tradies Shouldn’t Ignore
While it can be tempting to brush off minor aches and pains as part of the job, there are certain symptoms that should never be ignored. Tradies should be vigilant for the following signs, as they may indicate a developing elbow or wrist injury:
- Persistent pain in the elbow, forearm, or wrist, especially during or after work.
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint or along the tendons.
- Tingling or numbness in the hand or fingers, which can signal nerve compression, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Loss of grip strength, making it difficult to hold tools or objects.
- Reduced range of motion in the wrist or elbow, or difficulty performing tasks that were once routine.
Even if these symptoms seem minor at first, they should not be ignored. If they persist for more than a few days, it’s essential to seek a professional diagnosis to avoid potential long-term damage.
Tailored Treatment Options
Elbow specialist Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell understand the physical demands placed on tradies and offers tailored treatment plans to help them return to work as quickly and safely as possible.
- Physiotherapy: Non-invasive treatment through targeted exercises and manual therapy can help strengthen the muscles and tendons around the injured joint, promoting healing and reducing pain.
- Non-invasive Techniques: For conditions like tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, treatments such as corticosteroid injections, splinting, or bracing may be recommended to alleviate pain and inflammation without surgery.
- Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments, remove damaged tissue, or relieve pressure on nerves. Dr Brumby-Rendell specialises in minimally invasive surgical techniques that reduce recovery time, allowing tradies to get back to work faster.
Pain management is always a priority, and Dr. Brumby-Rendell’s approach focuses on minimising downtime while ensuring the injury is fully healed to prevent future complications.
Tradies are no strangers to physical challenges, but elbow and wrist injuries can jeopardise their ability to work if not addressed promptly. For tradies experiencing any symptoms of elbow or wrist injuries, seeking professional advice from Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, Adelaide orthopaedic surgeon, can ensure a safe and speedy return to work.
Don’t let a minor injury become a major setback—get the right diagnosis and treatment today.
