Home improvement is a great way to increase the equity in a home. However, it can take a toll on the body. Orthopedic injuries can and do happen. If you choose to remodel your own home, you may be at risk of certain injuries to your body.

Common Injuries During Home Improvement

It is important to take certain precautions against injury during the remodeling process. There are several injuries are more common than you would think.

Shoulder Injuries

One of the most common orthopedic injuries received during home improvements is a shoulder injury.  Shoulder injuries fall inside of two main categories. The first category is instability. This happens when a shoulder moves or is forced outside of its normal location. It can result in dislocation of the joint and is a very painful condition. The second category of shoulder injuries is referred to as impingement. This is caused when the shoulder muscles at the top of the shoulder continuously rub the shoulder blade. This is caused by activities that require a lot of overhead movement. During home improvement, these shoulder injuries often occur during painting, doing work on your ceiling, or falling off of objects (such as a ladder) and landing on your shoulder. Do not ignore a shoulder injury just because it causes minimal symptoms. Long-term motion problems can result if the injury is not treated in a timely manner.

Herniated Disk

A herniated disk, also known as a bulging disk, is another common injury received during home improvement. It most often occurs in the lower back but can cause more than just lower back pain. It can also cause sciatic nerve pain in the legs. This happens when the jelly like substance between the disks starts to push outward against the outer ring of the disk space. The pressure of this action causes back pain. If the disk is highly injured, it can push its way through. The most common way this injury occurs during home improvement is by improper lifting. It is important that you lift with your knees.  Symptoms include numbness or tingling, foot pain, and if the spinal cord gets compressed (a rare occurrence) a person could lose control of their bodily functions. Get help lifting for large, heavy, or oddly shaped items.

Muscle Strains

Muscle strains are another common injury received during home repairs or home improvement.  While not as serious as a dislocated joint or herniated disk, strained muscles can be very, very painful.  Muscle strains can occur in any muscle.  Muscle strains can also include a muscle tear.  This can be caused by heavy lifting, performing certain tasks, or even “moving wrong.”  Symptoms include pain in the muscle even while resting, weakness of the muscle, swelling, redness, or the inability to use the muscle at all.  Many muscle strains can be cared for in a home setting.  If pain persists or if you show signs of a muscle tear, make an appointment with your orthopedic doctor.

If you are injured while remodeling your home, consult with your doctor. If your injury is severe, you will get a referral to an orthopedic doctor. Home improvement injuries can happen to anyone. Although many home improvements are small in nature, you may consider hiring a professional contractor.

Robin is a writer at Matthew Boes M.D Orthopaedic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina. She wants to remodel her home.