Oftentimes when people think of injuries that occur in the workplace they think of sudden, unexpected events leading to these injuries. However, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes injuries that are work-related result from repetitive tasks the occur over time. Carpel tunnel syndrome is an example of one such repetitive task injury.
An overview of carpel tunnel syndrome
So, what is carpel tunnel syndrome and what happens when you get it? Well, the simplest explanation of carpel tunnel syndrome is that it is pressure on an important nerve in the wrist and hand area. The pressure on this nerve can result in symptoms that can make it quite difficult to perform certain tasks, such as typing on a keyboard.
But, while it may be common to associate carpel tunnel syndrome with typing, there are other work-related tasks that can lead to this condition as well. Working on an assembly line, for example, or with vibrating tools, can also lead to carpel tunnel syndrome. If the task is repetitive and involves the use of your hands and wrist, there is a chance this condition could develop. When workers have carpel tunnel syndrome, they oftentimes experience numbness in their hands and fingers, or even tingling or overall weakness in those areas. These symptoms may build up over time and become worse or more persistent.
Any workers in California who are diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome may have the ability to apply for and be approved to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help make up for some of the lost income that workers miss out on when they are unable to return to their jobs because of carpel tunnel syndrome.