Repetitive stress injuries occur when individuals repeat the same tasks frequently or maintain restricted or uncomfortable postures for long periods. These motions and positions strain certain parts of the body, causing damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of RSI that occurs when the median nerve, a nerve running through the forearm and to the palm, becomes compressed. Workers who move their hands and wrists a lot have a heightened likelihood of developing it and may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome expresses itself in numerous ways. Symptoms include:
- Numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers
- Weakening grip strength
- Dull or sharp pain radiating from the wrist up to the arm
- A burning sensation in the affected risk
- Difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor skills
While these are not specific to only carpal tunnel syndrome, they are key indicators of it.
Effect on the ability to work
Carpal tunnel syndrome can significantly impact work performance by reducing productivity. Workers may also experience difficulty performing their normal tasks, need more breaks and, in severe cases, miss entire days of work.
Workers’ compensation
Employees may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they can prove they developed it due to work-related activities. They must have medical evidence. Keeping evidence of tasks that may contribute to it and of the progression of the condition is important. They also need to tell their employer about the condition as soon as possible, in the appropriate manner. Benefits may cover lost wages due to being unable to work and medical expenses.
According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in one to three people in every thousand every year on average. Office workers, carpenters, manufacturing plant employees and individuals from many other professions are at risk of developing it. Workers’ compensation benefits can help defray associated costs.