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Beat knee, beat hand and beat elbow are repetitive strain injury conditions, usually occupational in origin, caused by acute inflammation of tissue most commonly as a result of overloading the joint often in an awkward position.

The medical name for these common conditions is bursitis which is inflammation of a bursa being a small sack containing fluid usually found at points in the body where tendons or muscles glide over bones and surrounding large joints including the shoulder, elbow or knee. The main symptoms include pain and tenderness around joints and may include stiffness of the joint with the pain often being most severe at night.

Who does it effect?

Beat hand is common in miners and road workers using picks and shovels. Beat knee or housemaids knee arises in workers who spend long periods kneeling.

Beat elbow usually results from continuous rubbing or pressure on the elbow. Preventive measures for bursitis include the use of pads for the knees and elbows.

The stats

Statistical surveys carried out by the UK Government indicate that more than a million people suffer from a musculoskeletal disorder which was caused or worsened by their current or past work. Each year thousands of new cases of musculoskeletal disorders require specialist intervention and an estimated 8000 cases are seen every year by rheumatologists and occupational physicians.

Treatment

The treatment of bursitis usually falls into four areas all of which may assist in recovery however it is essential to obtain proper medical advice from a specialist practitioner on the needs of any particular individual sufferer.

• Protection and Rest:
  
  The initial treatment of bursitis necessitates limiting movement of the joint and the removal of pressure from the affected area. It may be beneficial to use an elastic bandage or immobilizing brace on the joint until the inflammation subsides.


• Ice Pack:
  
  Icing is an important bursitis treatment as it helps to control inflammation and decreases swelling allowing the bursa to return to normal.


• Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
  
  Are often prescribed by medical practitioners and may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories which will decrease pain and swelling.


• Cortisone Injections:
  
  Which are powerful anti-inflammatory medications may be considered in persistent conditions and can assist in situations that are not improved with rest.

Know your rights

Employers are under a legal duty to minimise the risk of injury by taking reasonable care for the health and safety of their employees. This is contained in both case law and in Acts of Parliament which have been passed for the protection of employees. There are other circumstances where employers may be absolutely liable for acts or omissions which result in injury to employees.

An employer is required to provide adequate equipment and a safe system of work with proper training and supervision and if he does not do so and personal injury occurs then the employer may be liable to pay compensation to the employee.

Helping U claim

If you suffer from bursitis as a result of your employers failure to protect your health and safety we can help you to get the compensation you deserve. If would like free advice, just use the helpline or complete the claim form.