You might think that a typical office job is virtually free of dangers, but you can get seriously hurt while sitting at a desk typing all day. The injuries don’t relate to accidents when you’re sitting at a desk, they relate to lack movement and repetitive use. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is a condition that could render you completely incapable of using a mouse and keyboard — possibly preventing you from being able to perform your job duties.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel tend to start gradually. You’ll first feel a tingling or numbness in your thumb, middle finger and index finger. That feeling may come and go. You might also experience discomfort in your palm or wrist.
When the numbness and tingling become constant — it might even feel like an electrical shocking sensation — you know that your carpal tunnel has moved into more advanced stages. These sensations might even go up your arm and be extremely painful when you’re using your hands. They could prevent you from sleeping well at night and make your hands feel weak, like you’re unable to hold objects.
It’s best to see a doctor as soon as you develop the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. You may be able to manage the condition and resolve it without the need for surgery. In advanced and chronic cases of carpal tunnel, New Jersey office workers may require surgery. All of this medical care can be costly, but injured workers suffering from carpal tunnel may be able to seek financial compensation to pay for their doctors’ bills — and time spent unable to work — by filing a New Jersey workers’ compensation claim.
Source: WebMD, “Carpal Tunnel syndrome,” accessed July 14, 2017