Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common issue for many people. You’ve probably heard that typing on a computer all day can cause CTS, but a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows many other jobs also put workers at risk for the condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome afflicts more than 1 in 20 adults in the United States. It is the basis for many workers’ compensation claims. (Healthday.com)
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful medical condition that occurs when the median nerve, the major nerve that runs from your forearm to the wrist, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of your thumb and fingers (all except the little finger). It also sends signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in your palm, wrist, and/or thumb and the first three fingers of your hand.
- Pain and burning that travels up your arm.
- Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep.
- Weakness in the muscles of the hand.
Symptoms usually appear for at least a week or may flare up now and then for an extended period of time.
It’s important to notice these symptoms early on. If left untreated, CTS can lead to weakness and lack of coordination in your fingers and thumb.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel?
CTS is often caused by a combination of factors. These can include the anatomy of your wrist, certain health problems, and possibly patterns of hand use.
“Doctors don’t fully understand what produces this swelling or pressure, but it appears that people with a small carpal tunnel are more prone to the disorder.
Overweight and inactive people are particularly likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome, as are people with endocrine disorders (like diabetes and hypothyroidism) or immune disorders (like arthritis and lupus).” (Healthday.com)
“Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, possibly because they have smaller carpal tunnels to begin with; the hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can also make their hands (including the wrist ligaments) more prone to swelling.” (Healthday.com)
Repetitive motions like typing or using a mouse, forceful twisting motions (like turning a screwdriver), or vibration (like using a power tool) can increase your chances of developing CTS, especially if you already have one of the risk factors listed above. (Healthday.com)
Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What types of jobs can cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
The CDC research showed that the highest rates of CTS were reported in three industries: “manufacturing apparel, processing food, and performing administrative work. Based on the data analyzed, the report states that the industries with the highest CTS rates were textile, fabric finishing, and coating mills (44.9); apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing (43.1); and animal slaughtering and processing (39.8).” (OHSonline.com)
In 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated the occurrence of injuries at a poultry processing plant in South Carolina. The report showed that 39% of participants in a study group had hand or wrist symptoms.
“The report provided specific recommendations for the South Carolina plant and also lists administrative recommendations that employers can undertake in other industries where CTS occurs at a high rate.” These recommendations include:
- Employ a job rotation schedule in which employees rotate between jobs that use different muscle groups that are below the recommended levels of hand activity and force.
- Provide multiple breaks during the workday, possibly hourly breaks.
- Encourage employees to report symptoms as soon as possible.
- Encourage employees to follow up with their doctor if they are found to have an abnormal nerve conduction test result.
- Develop procedures for employees to provide information and feedback on work equipment and procedure modifications.
- Add specific information about working height recommendations and adjustable stands to the employee safety training.
- Provide training regarding proper setup of work equipment.
Carpal Tunnel Treatments
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat CTS:
- Rest and Ice: Taking breaks from repetitive tasks and icing your wrist can reduce swelling.
- Wrist Splints: Wearing a splint at night can keep your wrist in a neutral position.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease symptoms.
- Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help manage CTS.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensuring your workstation is set up ergonomically can also provide significant relief.
- Steroid Injections: Decreases inflammation and pressure on the nerve.
In some cases, if your symptoms are severe, surgery may be considered as a treatment option.
New Outpatient Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) in SC
Bon Secours in Greenville is now offering UltraGuideCT, which utilizes technology developed by physicians at the Mayo Clinic. “This new technology allows the physician to perform CTR through a small incision, which can typically be closed with an adhesive strip or bandage instead of sutures. The procedure can also be performed in an outpatient setting utilizing local anesthesia and has been associated with reduced pain and rapid recovery. Most patients return to normal activity in three to six days.” (BonSecours.com)
Remember, if you’re experiencing CTS symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. They can provide you with the best advice and treatment options for your specific situation.
Stay healthy and take care of your wrists!
The Law Offices of David L. Hood – Representing Injured Workers in South Carolina
The Law Offices of David L. Hood have been fighting for the rights of injured workers in North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Greenville, Georgetown, Charleston and all across South Carolina for over 30 years. If we believe we can help you, our dedicated team will strive to take care of your claim professionally and treat you with respect. Over the years we and our co-counsel have represented hundreds of injured workers and their families, working hard to get them the medical treatment and compensation they deserve. Don’t you deserve 5-star representation?
To learn more about what we can do for you, contact our offices to set up a free initial consultation. If you choose to work with us, we will handle your case on a contingent fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we make a recovery for you. To get in touch with us, you can call our offices at (843) 491-6025 or email us here.
Other online resources used for this article:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/light-end-carpal-tunnel-cdc-identifies-jobs-risk/story?id=58283861
