Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. Most often these symptoms occur in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger.
This condition can be caused by trauma or by repetitive hand movements or repetitive use of tools in the work place. This is especially true when the wrist is bent down with the hands lower than the wrists.
Sometimes the condition can successfully be treated with conservative measures such as icing the wrist for 10 to 15 minutes or the cessation of those activities (such as prolonged typing) that cause the pain. However, the condition can often require surgical treatment. The sooner the condition is treated, the less risk there is of long-term nerve damage.
When these symptoms present themselves it is important to report it to your employer and seek medical care. If you experience any of these symptoms due to activities in the workplace, please contact your Illinois Work Injury Attorney.
July 26, 2010