Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by repetitive flexing and extending of the tendons in the hands and wrists.  This is more likely to occur if the repetitive motion is done forcefully and/or for long periods without rest.    

If the repetitive nature of your job has caused you to experience these types of symptoms, you may have a work-related injury and are entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Contact us, we can help.