There are a wide variety of jobs that require physical exertion. This may entail heavy lifting or moving for some employees. Depending on the job, the whole body may not be required, but only certain parts of the body must be repeatedly moved. Constant use of the same muscles and joints over time can cause injury. One of the most debilitating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is weakness and tingling in the hands. Median nerve compression is another name for this condition. Workers in a variety of fields, including those outside the construction industry, are susceptible to this type of work injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome can sometimes lead to a workers’ compensation claim.
Symptoms and Significance
In a human arm, the median nerve extends from the wrist to the elbow. The carpal tunnel is a passageway in the wrist through which a nerve travels and ends up in the hand. The median is responsible for the sensation and movement of the thumb, as well as the fingers other than the pinky, except for the middle finger.
People with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience the sensation that their hand has “fallen asleep” as a first symptom. There is a numbing sensation that extends up the arm. When holding something that requires the wrist to bend, such as a book or steering wheel, an individual may experience flare-ups. Here are some warning signs that someone may be suffering from this condition:
- Involuntary hand movements are not possible because of the pain or discomfort.
- The inability to hold or grasp objects due to a weak hand.
- Movement into the fingers with a shock-like sensation
- Pain that spreads to the arm
Even if physical therapy fails to alleviate symptoms, surgery may be necessary. By severing the ligament encircling the median nerve, the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be repaired and the pain alleviated.
Physical Work
Workers who perform assembly-line or repetitive motion tasks run the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, a debilitating hand injury. Anxiety and discomfort can result from holding heavy objects for long periods of time. As an example, an office worker who spends eight or more hours a day using a mouse on a computer could suffer from the syndrome. Workers in the kitchen and in the tailoring industry can put a lot of strain on their hands. Barbers’ hands can get sore from holding scissors and a comb for long periods of time. The following are some of the most common jobs where carpal tunnel syndrome can occur:
- Chef/baker
- Office employee
- Seamstress
- Cashier
- Hair Stylist
- Assembler on the production line
- Musician
Employees who are injured on the job in California may be eligible for benefits under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
Contact a Wheaton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Carpal tunnel syndrome, despite its reputation as a minor injury, can be debilitating and long-lasting for a worker. As a worker, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you sustained while on the job. Attorneys at the DYS Law Group have successfully litigated numerous multi-million-dollar personal injury and workers’ compensation cases in California. Our experienced DYS Law Group County workplace injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to your injury and assist you in obtaining compensation. Call us right away at (310) 473-2355 to set up your complimentary consultation.
