Symptoms of MSDs

Because MSDs include so many types of injuries and affect people differently and with ranging severity, there are a lot of possible symptoms. The most common symptoms associated with MSDs include the following:

• Pain from movement, pressure, or exposure to cold or vibration
• Numbness or tingling in the arm, fingers, or legs
• Change in skin color from exposure to cold or vibration
• Decreased range of motion in the joints
• Decreased grip strength
• Swelling of a joint or part of the arm, hand, finger, or leg
• Fatigue or difficulty in sustaining performance

It is important to report symptoms early and seek medical attention. Many MSDs produce no symptoms in the early stages, so the injury may already be advanced by the time a symptom appears.

To learn more about Labor & Industry Ergonomics visit our Labor & Industry Ergonomics Online Training web page.