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Are You Suffering From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by irritation of the median nerve at the wrist. It can result from any repetitive task that puts pressure on the median nerve. The symptoms are numbness and tingling of the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.

Most of the time carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive stress maneuvers. The symptoms typically start off slow with a gradual ache of the hand and could eventually result in numbness from the fingers up the forearm, even into the shoulder. Also, weakness of the hand could occur which could cause you to drop objects.

Most people think they have carpal tunnel syndrome from typing on a computer, but the findings are relatively low for keyboard work. Researchers explain that the typing is not the problem; the syndrome is usually caused from the angle of the wrist extension at the keyboard. If you work on a computer all day, it is best to have your keyboard and chair height adjusted to ergonomically correct positions, which will provide more comfort to the wrists and hands. However, there are direct correlations to this syndrome and workers using a right-handed mouse.

Assembly line workers, food processors and packagers, textile workers involved in knitting or sewing and machine operators have jobs that involve repetitive tasks and typically require the wrists to be extended the majority of the workday. This activity done everyday could aggravate the symptoms. Experts recommend exercising the wrists by stretching them, which helps alleviate the symptoms caused by overuse.

If you believe you have carpal tunnel, it is recommended to rest the wrist and ice the problem area, plus have a doctor examine it as soon as possible. Carpal tunnel is suspected based on symptoms. Then physical examinations and nerve testings are completed before the official diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of this syndrome can help reverse the symptoms of carpal tunnel. If left untreated, muscle and nerve damage could occur resulting in possible loss of income.

If you have suffered from carpel tunnel or a work-related injury, call The Francis Law Group at (888) 521-2721 to find out your rights and speak with an experience Orlando workers’ compensation lawyer.