Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), is a repetitive motion trauma to the median nerve - nerve that runs from forearm to palm that manages sensations on the thumb side of the hand.
CTS is not an actual injury to the nerve, but rather a compression of or irritation to the nerve at the carpal tunnel - the narrow opening in the wrist where the median nerve and tendons pass form the forearm into the hand - caused by swelling or thickened tendons.
Symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome usually start with tingling, numbness or burning in the palm of the hand and thumb, index and middle fingers. As CTS worsens, a person may lose grip strength, struggle to make a fist, have trouble grasping small objects or conducting manual tasks, according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Who Is at Risk of Developing CTS?
CTS is not limited to just one group of people or occupation. Although, workers in certain occupations and people exposed to certain risk factors are at a higher risk of developing CTS. People at risk of developing CTS include:
- People with diabetes
- People who are obese
- Assembly workers who repeatedly bend and twist their wrists
- Workers who type on keyboards for extended periods of time
According to information provided by the NINDS, women are at a higher risk of developing CTS than men. NINDS speculates this is because the carpal tunnel in women is smaller than in men.
NINDS recommends the following tips to workers in order to help prevent developing CTS: stretching, taking breaks, improving posture, wearing wrist guards and job rotation.
Workers who have developed or are beginning to experience symptoms of CTS should speak with a workers' compensation attorney. An attorney experienced in handling CTS claims can help you seek compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
