Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and How To Discuss It With Your Employer

Certain professions, particularly desk jobs, make people more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Work-related injuries aren’t always the immediate result of a slip and fall. In some cases, they can occur gradually, without the worker knowing it.

This is often the case with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow part surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand, and it can be injured as a result of repetitive motions and even other health conditions.

Certain professions, particularly desk jobs, make people more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are the symptoms you can experience and how to talk to your employer about worker compensation.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The signs of carpal tunnel syndrome start gradually and may include:

• Sensations of tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. It can also feel as if you’re getting an electric shock in your fingers or hand, and in some cases, the feeling may travel up your arm. In the beginning, the sensation will be episodic, but it can become permanent over time.

• Weakness in your hand. It could eventually lead to you constantly dropping objects because your hand cannot grip properly anymore.

• Decreased feeling in your fingers or hand. In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can even lead to people losing any feeling in their hand, which could also worsen other symptoms.

It’s important to note that none of the symptoms generally occur overnight. The major problem with carpal tunnel syndrome is that people notice something is wrong when the condition worsens, and symptoms become harder to ignore.

Most cases can be successfully treated with rest, over-the-counter painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medication, but more severe conditions may require surgery.

How to Discuss Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Your Employer

Because the condition forms over time, it can be difficult for injured workers to prove to their employers that their carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related, and therefore eligible for workers’ compensation. However, it is well established that the condition can be a result of one’s job, specifically performing the same activities long-term.

If you notice any of the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, you should notify your employer in writing. Explain to them the symptoms you are experiencing, and tell them you want to start the worker’s comp claims process. Your employer should then tell you what doctor to see to get the necessary treatment and file an injury report.

Work With an Experienced Kansas City Workers Compensation Attorney

It is in your best interests to work with an experienced Kanas City workers’ compensation attorney for additional assistance. The connection between your carpal tunnel syndrome and work activity may be brought into question to establish whether or not you’re eligible for worker’s comp. A lawyer can help you prove your claim and ensure you get all the full amount of benefits you’re legally entitled to.