The pain starts as a dull ache. A twinge in your wrist when you type, a soreness in your shoulder when you lift a box, or a sharp sensation in your elbow after a day on the assembly line. At first, you might dismiss it as a minor strain or a sign of getting older. But when that ache becomes persistent, making your job difficult and affecting your daily life, you may be dealing with something more serious: work-related tendonitis.

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders like tendonitis are a leading cause of missed workdays nationwide, often requiring workers to be away from their jobs for a median of 14 days to recover. That's two full weeks of income potentially lost while facing mounting medical bills. Tendonitis is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—work injuries. Unlike a sudden fall or a machine accident, it develops gradually. This slow onset often leads Vermont employees to question whether their condition is truly connected to their job and if they have any right to compensation. The answer is a definitive yes.

Under Vermont law, injuries that develop over time from repetitive job duties are just as valid as those caused by a single, traumatic event. If your work caused or significantly contributed to your tendonitis, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This article explains what you need to know about tendonitis as a work injury and how to protect your right to the benefits you deserve.

Understanding Tendonitis as a Repetitive Work Injury

Before you can file a claim, it’s helpful to understand the injury itself. Tendons are the tough, fibrous cords that connect your muscles to your bones. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of these tendons. When you perform the same motion over and over again, you can cause microscopic tears in the tendon. Without sufficient rest, these small tears don't have a chance to heal properly. The body’s inflammatory response kicks in, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected area.

This is fundamentally different from an acute injury. There is no single moment you can point to when the injury happened. Instead, it’s the result of cumulative trauma—the sum of thousands of repeated movements.

Common sites for work-related tendonitis include:

• Wrists and Hands: Often seen in office workers, data entry clerks, and factory workers who perform fine-motor tasks.
• Elbows: Known as "tennis elbow" or "golfer's elbow," this is frequent among carpenters, plumbers, and cooks.
• Shoulders: Common in painters, construction workers, and warehouse employees who frequently lift or reach overhead.
• Knees: Affects tradespeople, cleaners, and agricultural workers who spend long hours squatting or kneeling.
• Achilles Tendon (Ankles): This condition can impact delivery drivers, athletes, and dancers who are constantly on their feet.

The nature of your job is the primary factor. Musculoskeletal disorders, which include tendonitis, are a leading cause of workplace injuries, forcing hundreds of thousands of workers to miss time on the job each year. These aren't just minor aches; they are recognized medical conditions with a direct link to occupational hazards.

Proving Your Case: How a Workers' Comp Lawyer Establishes Your Tendonitis is Work-Related in Vermont

The greatest challenge in a tendonitis workers’ comp claim is proving that your job duties were the cause of your condition. The insurance company for your employer may argue that your pain is due to a pre-existing condition, a hobby, or simply the aging process. This is where the evidence you gather becomes paramount.

In Vermont, for an injury to be compensable, it must "arise out of and in the course of employment."

• "In the course of employment" means the injury happened while you were performing your job duties. For tendonitis, this means the repetitive motions occurred during your work hours.
• "Arising out of employment" is more complex. It means your work environment or job tasks created a risk or hazard that led to the injury. You must show a causal link between your repetitive work and the development of your tendonitis.

An experienced Vermont workers' comp lawyer helps establish this connection by:

1. Documenting Your Job Duties: We will create a detailed record of your daily tasks. How many hours do you spend typing? How much weight do you lift, and how often? Do you use vibrating tools? This detailed description helps an independent medical examiner and the Department of Labor understand the physical stress your job entails.
2. Gathering Medical Evidence: The most important piece of evidence is your medical record. It is essential to tell your doctor exactly what you do at work and explain how you believe your job caused your pain. Your doctor’s notes should reflect this history. A specific diagnosis of tendonitis linked to occupational duties is a powerful part of your claim.
3. Obtaining an Expert Medical Opinion: Often, a successful claim relies on a report from a medical expert who can state with a reasonable degree of medical certainty that your job duties were a major contributing cause of your tendonitis. An attorney can help you arrange an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a physician who understands the connection between ergonomics and repetitive strain injuries.
4. Collecting Witness Statements: Testimony from coworkers who perform similar tasks and can attest to the repetitive nature of the job can strengthen your claim. Supervisors may also be able to confirm your job description and the physical demands required.

It’s not necessary to prove that your job was the sole cause of your tendonitis. Vermont law only requires that your work was a major contributing cause. Even if you have a pre-existing condition like arthritis, if your job duties significantly worsened or accelerated that condition, you may still have a valid claim.

What Workers' Compensation Benefits Can You Receive For Work-Related Tendonitis in Vermont?

If your claim is approved, you are entitled to specific workers' compensation benefits designed to cover your medical costs and lost income. The Vermont workers' compensation system provides several types of support.

Medical Treatment Coverage

Your employer’s insurance carrier is responsible for paying for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work-related tendonitis. This includes:

• Doctor’s visits and specialist appointments (e.g., orthopedists)
• Prescription medications, such as anti-inflammatories
• Physical or occupational therapy
• Diagnostic tests like MRIs or ultrasounds
• Injections (e.g., cortisone shots)
• Braces or other durable medical equipment
• In severe cases, surgery

You should never have to pay out-of-pocket for medical care for a recognized work injury.

Disability Payments (Lost Wages)

If your tendonitis prevents you from working or forces you to work in a reduced capacity, you may be eligible for disability benefits.

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your doctor takes you completely out of work for more than three days to recover, you are entitled to TTD benefits. These payments are typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state-mandated maximum.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can return to work but only in a limited or "light-duty" capacity that pays less than your normal job, TPD benefits can make up a portion of the wage difference. This often applies to tendonitis sufferers who can, for example, do office work but cannot return to manual labor.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

Once you reach what is called "maximum medical improvement" (MMI)—meaning your condition is unlikely to get any better—your doctor will assess whether you have any permanent impairment. For tendonitis, this could be a permanent loss of strength or range of motion in the affected joint. PPD benefits are calculated based on a medical impairment rating and are meant to compensate you for this permanent loss of function.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If your tendonitis is so severe that you cannot return to your previous job, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation services. These services, paid for by the insurance company, can help you find a new job or get training for a different career that accommodates your physical limitations.

Hiring a Vermont Workers' Compensation Attorney: Overcoming Common Hurdles

Even with a legitimate injury, getting the benefits you are owed is not always straightforward. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts. They may try to deny your claim by arguing:

• The Injury Is Not Work-Related: This is the most common defense in a tendonitis case. They might point to your age, your hobbies (like playing sports or a musical instrument), or a pre-existing condition as the real cause of your pain.
• You Didn't Give Proper Notice: In Vermont, you must report your injury to your employer as soon as you know or believe it is work-related. Failing to do so in a timely manner can jeopardize your claim.
• You Waited Too Long to File: Vermont has a statute of limitations for filing a workers' comp claim. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from receiving benefits.

A dedicated workers' compensation lawyer in Vermont is your advocate against these tactics. An attorney can manage all communications with the insurance adjuster, gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case, and represent you in hearings before the Vermont Department of Labor. While you focus on healing, your lawyer focuses on ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive every benefit you are entitled to under the law. Studies have shown that claimants who retain legal representation often receive significantly higher settlement amounts than those who do not.

Essential Steps to Take After a Tendonitis Diagnosis

If you suspect your job is causing or aggravating your tendonitis, take these steps immediately to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor in writing that you are experiencing pain and believe it is due to your job duties. Note the date, time, and to whom you reported it. Do not delay this step.
2. Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor as soon as possible. Be very clear in explaining your job tasks and why you feel they are causing your injury. An early medical record linking your symptoms to your work is powerful evidence.
3. Follow Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to your doctor’s orders. If you are prescribed rest, physical therapy, or work restrictions, follow them. Ignoring medical advice can be used by the insurance company to argue you are not truly injured.
4. Consult a Workers' Comp Attorney: The insurance company has a team of professionals working to protect their interests. You should too. A consultation with a qualified workers' comp lawyer can help you understand your rights and the best path forward, often at no upfront cost.

Your well-being and financial stability are too important to leave to chance. Work-related tendonitis is a real and debilitating condition, and you have a right to be compensated for it.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is One Phone Call Away

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand the challenges that come with a repetitive stress injury like tendonitis. We know how insurance companies try to dismiss these claims, and we have the experience and determination to fight back. Our team is dedicated to helping injured workers across Vermont secure the workers' compensation benefits they need to recover and move forward.

Don't let an insurer tell you that your pain isn't a work injury. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our dedicated workers’ comp attorneys are available to assist you day or night. Call us today to learn how we can help.