Why is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome a Repetitive Motion Injury?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common types of repetitive motion injuries. It affects millions of workers every year. It’s a painful and sometimes debilitating condition that develops when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist.

If you’re an employee who performs repetitive tasks with your hands, such as typing, assembling parts, or operating machinery, you may be at risk of developing this condition.

How Repetitive Motion Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is considered a repetitive motion injury because it often results from performing the same hand and wrist movements over and over again. When you repeatedly flex or extend your wrist or grip objects for long periods, it puts pressure on the carpal tunnel and can cause the tendons inside the tunnel to swell.

This swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve, leading to the classic symptoms of CTS, which include:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers (especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers)
• Pain or discomfort in the wrist, hand, or forearm
• Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects
• A feeling of swelling in the fingers, even when there’s no visible swelling

Jobs that require repetitive wrist movements, awkward hand positions, or prolonged use of vibrating tools are especially likely to cause CTS. Workers in industries like manufacturing, construction, data entry, and even healthcare are particularly vulnerable to developing this condition.

Importance of Medical Treatment

If you suspect you have developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from work-related tasks, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. CTS is a progressive condition, meaning that without intervention, it can worsen over time. In the early stages, symptoms may come and go, but as the condition progresses, the pain and numbness may become constant, and permanent nerve damage can occur if left untreated.

Your doctor may recommend one of several different treatments, depending on the severity of your symptoms. In mild cases, non-invasive options such as wrist splints, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce symptoms and prevent further damage. For more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term complications, including loss of hand function.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Since Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often caused by work-related activities, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp can cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages if your condition prevents you from working. It’s essential to report your symptoms to your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible, as delays can complicate the process or even jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.

However, proving that your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is work-related can sometimes be challenging. Insurance companies may argue that your condition is due to non-work-related activities, such as hobbies or pre-existing conditions. That’s why it’s important to have thorough medical documentation and legal support to build a strong case for your claim.

Get the Legal Help You Need

Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a painful condition like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. We specialize in helping injured workers secure the benefits they deserve. If you’ve developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from repetitive tasks at work, contact Shugarman & Mehring to schedule a consultation.