Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome?

On Behalf of | Jan 9, 2019 | Workers' Compensation |

If you perform the same task, day in and day out, there’s a strong possibility you could suffer a repetitive stress injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common, with this often setting in as the result of repetitive typing, holding a phone in the same position or gripping a steering wheel.

If you suspect carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s imperative to report the injury to your employer and then seek medical care. Your doctor will take a variety of steps to determine if this is the problem:

  • Review a history of your symptoms, including any pattern of pain you’re experiencing
  • Conduct a physical examination, most notably by testing the strength of the muscles in your hand
  • X-ray, which provides your doctor with an inside view of the potentially injured area
  • Nerve conduction study, which helps rule out other conditions that could be causing your pain and discomfort
  • Electromyogram, which measures electrical discharges produced in your muscles

Most people who have carpal tunnel syndrome suspect that something is wrong. The tasks you were once able to complete with ease, such as typing or driving for hours on end, are no longer simple. Instead, they cause pain and discomfort.

Proving to your employer that you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of your employment is easier said than done. However, since this can make it impossible to work, you’ll want to consider how to best take action.

By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you can put the wheels in motion. If approved, the money you receive can be used to help you live while you recover.