{"id":5057,"date":"2020-10-28T08:50:56","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T12:50:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/?p=5057"},"modified":"2020-10-30T08:51:14","modified_gmt":"2020-10-30T12:51:14","slug":"carpal-tunnel-syndrome-and-workers-compensation-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-and-workers-compensation-part-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workers Compensation \u2013 Part One"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury due to stress. It happens when pressure on the median nerve and tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel (a passage in your arm). You feel the injury as you flex your fingers. The carpal tunnel can cause pain, numbness and tingling,\u00a0 even with minor swelling.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/carpal-tunnel-syndrome\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20355603\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mayo Clinic, symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Tingling or numbness.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may notice numbness and tingling in your hand or fingers. The most affected fingers are the thumb and index, the ring fingers, and the middle fingers- but not your little finger. The sensation may even feel like an electric shock.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The feeling may extend from your wrist up your arm. The symptoms can appear while you\u2019re driving or just reading a publication. They may cause you to wake from your sleep. Many people try to shake out the feelings. The numbness feeling may last a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Weakness. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may not be able to grasp or hold onto objects \u2013 due to numbness or weakness. The inability to hold objects may also be due to the pinching muscles of the thumb.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b><i>What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve \u201cprovides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carpal tunnel syndrome can be due to anything that irritates or squeezes the median nerve. A fractured wrist can also cause the carpal tunnel to narrow. Rheumatoid arthritis is another cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Often, there is no one singular cause. A combination of factors may cause he disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>What are the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many factors increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome though they may not cause the disorder. These risk factors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Anatomical factors.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Examples include a fractured wrist, a dislocation of the wrist, or arthritis. These conditions can change the space within the carpal tunnel or place pressure on the median nerve.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>If you have a smaller carpal tunnel than others<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019re more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Gender.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Women are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Nerve-damaging conditions.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u201cSome chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, increase your risk of nerve damage, including damage to your median nerve.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Inflammation.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Inflammation, due to rheumatoid arthritis or other causes can place pressure on the median nerve and affect the tendon linings around the wrist<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Medications.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSome studies have shown a link between carpal tunnel syndrome and the use of anastrozole (Arimidex), a drug used to treat breast cancer.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Obesity.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Being overweight is a risk factor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Changes in bodily fluids.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Fluid retention can irritate the median nerve and \u201cincrease the pressure within your carpal tunnel.\u201d Bodily fluid changes often occur during menopause and pregnancy. The good news is that once the delivery is complete, the mother usually feels better.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Other medical disorders.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Examples include kidney failure, lymphedema, thyroid disorders, and menopause. Some diseases such as a tumor or diabetes can also increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>Of particular note, is that workplace conditions are a known risk factor.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Examples include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working with tools that vibrate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Working on an assembly line which requires repetitive wrist flexing or prolonged wrist flexing \u2013 which can place pressure on the median nerve or affect existing nerve damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age. Older people are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than younger people<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trauma. An injury increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSeveral studies have evaluated whether there is an association between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome. Some evidence suggests that it is mouse use, and not the use of a keyboard, that may be the problem. However, there has not been enough quality and consistent evidence to support extensive computer use as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome, although it may cause a different form of hand pain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>Are there ways to prevent or reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the ways to reduce stress on your wrists and hands include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Use a relaxed grip.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Reduce your force. If, for example, you use a computer or a cash register &#8211; try to hit the keys or numbers a little softer. If you write with a pen,, try using a large pen that has a large soft grip adapter \u2013 and ink that flows freely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Take more breaks.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> During breaks \u2013 stretch and bend your hands and wrists. Try to alternate tasks \u2013 especially if you use equipment that vibrates like a jackhammer. A few minutes\u2019 break every hour can make a large difference.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Watch your form.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Try not to bend your wrist \u2013 all the way up or down. Use a relaxed position where possible. \u201cKeep your keyboard at elbow height or slightly lower.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Improve your posture.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u201cIncorrect posture rolls shoulders forward, shortening your neck and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in your neck. This can affect your wrists, fingers and hands, and can cause neck pain.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Make sure you have a comfortable computer mouse.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also avoid working where it\u2019s cold. If you can\u2019t control the cold\/heat, try using fingerless gloves. They may help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><i>What types of jobs are most at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some that we\u2019ve mentioned include computer work or keyboard work, assembly line work, and using a cash register. Other risky jobs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/workers-compensation-and-repetitive-stress-injuries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repetitive stress injuries<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/workers-compensation-and-construction-injuries\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction work<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 such as a jackhammer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Driving a car or truck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cafeteria work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food processing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/restaurant-workers-and-n-c-workers-compensation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restaurant workers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mechanical work with hand tools<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North Carolina and Virginia <a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/practice-areas\/workers-compensation\/\">workers\u2019 compensation<\/a> lawyer Joe Miller Esq. has helped thousands of injured workers obtain their full work injury benefits. He\u2019ll fight to show your carpal tunnel syndrome is compensable under state workers\u2019 compensation laws. He\u2019ll work to show how much medical care and time off you need.To speak with an experienced work injury attorney, call North Carolina and Virginia lawyer Joe Miller, Esq., at <\/span><b>888-667-8295<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. or fill out my online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact form<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to make an appointment or feel free to utilize our new <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/free-workers-comp-case-eval\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online case evaluation form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury due to stress. It happens when pressure on the median nerve and tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel (a passage in your arm). You feel the injury as you flex your fingers. The carpal tunnel can cause pain, numbness and tingling,\u00a0 even with minor swelling. What are the &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workers Compensation \u2013 Part One\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-and-workers-compensation-part-one\/#more-5057\" aria-label=\"Read more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workers Compensation \u2013 Part One\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13,96,95,10,97,31],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Joe Miller","author_link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/author\/jmiller\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Carpal tunnel syndrome is an injury due to stress. It happens when pressure on the median nerve and tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel (a passage in your arm). You feel the injury as you flex your fingers. The carpal tunnel can cause pain, numbness and tingling,\u00a0 even with minor swelling. What are the&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5057"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5057"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5057\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}