Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that office workers who sit for longer periods of time at a computer may contract. The primary symptoms include tingling, weakness, numbness and other issues in the hand. The symptoms are the result of pressure and stress being put on the median nerve in the wrist.

The pressure on the median nerve that causes carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by swelling, but it can be caused by any of a variety of conditions that result in the carpal tunnel (through which the nerve travels) becoming smaller. The tingling and numbness are usually felt in the first three fingers and the thumb. Individuals whose little fingers feel fine but are experiencing these symptoms in the other fingers are most likely to be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Aside from sitting and typing at a computer for long periods of time and completing repetitive motions over and over again, carpal tunnel can also be the result of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and hypothyroidism. As such, in some cases, not everyone who has carpal tunnel syndrome will be able to prove that their carpal tunnel was the direct result of their job duties. If diabetes is shown to be the cause, for example, the injury might not qualify as an on-the-job injury and the hurt employee might not be able to receive benefits.

When a Manalapan worker is suffering from a medical condition that is preventing the worker from performing the duties of his or her job, it may be wise to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help the injured employee apply for employee benefits to pay for medical care and lost wages caused by an inability to work.

Source: WebMD, “Carpal Tunnel syndrome – Topic Overview,” accessed Aug. 30, 2016