Overview of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer’s Perspective

The carpal tunnel is a channel that runs from the forearm to the hand that contains nine tendons. The tendons are covered by a membrane. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is inflammation of this membrane that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand.

There are many causes of CTS, including: repetitive forceful gripping, repetitive flexing of the wrist, broken or dislocated bones in the wrist resulting in swelling, arthritis, thyroid gland imbalance, excessive typing, hormonal changes associated with menopause and pregnancy.

If you have symptoms, you should see a doctor, preferably one who specializes in hand injuries. The strongest indicator of a problem is numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand or wrist, sometimes extending to the elbow or fingers.

There are different treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome and a doctor will be able to recommend individualized care. If the CTS is not severe, a doctor might recommend a wrist splint. The stationary position of the wrist relieves pressure and reduces swelling. A doctor may also prescribe medications for pain and inflammation.

For more severe cases, a doctor may perform a cortisone injection. The doctor injects a medicine into the wrist that reduces the swelling of the membrane and relieves pressure on the nerve.

If these treatments do not provide relief, your doctor may decide to perform surgery called “release.” The ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel will be cut to relieve pressure on the nerve. Local anesthesia is used during this common surgery and an overnight stay is not required.

CTS may be work related. Most doctors agree that typing or repetitive use of the hands contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome. Illinois law states that if your job causes, aggravates, or accelerates your problem, you are covered by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Law.

All people with work-related CTS are entitled to reimbursement for all medical bills, including copays and other out-of-pocket expenses. If you miss time from work, you may be entitled to compensation for this period of time. You may also be entitled to benefits because of the permanent nature of your injury. The amount depends on the final recovery, as well as your earnings at the time of diagnosis.

Many workers who think they have CTS actually have other problems, such as DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger problems, radial tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, or ulnar nerve compression.