Many employees do jobs that require them to use repetitive motions. For those who have to do this with their hands or wrists, there’s a risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed.
Office workers, healthcare professionals, cashiers and people who work with vibrating tools are at an increased risk of this condition. Because it often comes on slowly, some people may initially ignore the symptoms, but leaving it untreated can cause significant long-term damage.
Workers should seek medical care as soon as they notice symptoms
Some of the initial signs of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain and weakness in the affected hand. They may experience numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers. Any of these signs warrants a trip to the doctor to find out if carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause.
These cases are often difficult to handle when it comes to workers’ compensation. Because they’re cumulative trauma injuries and not the result of a single accident, it may be difficult to prove that they’re work-related. This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible, but it’s a good reason to get medical care as quickly as possible when symptoms appear.
Employees who suffer from this condition may require assistance with getting the benefits they’re due from workers’ compensation. In some cases, they may be able to receive more than just medical care expenses. Partial wage replacement and vocation rehabilitation are sometimes possible, depending on the severity of the injury.