Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects thousands of Ohio workers each year. CTS is a repetitive stress injury (RSI) that often affects people who work desk jobs or in factories - occupations with repetitive movements throughout the day. Measures such as good posture and ergonomics can help lessen the chances of developing carpal tunnel, but nothing can outright prevent CTS.
There are treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome, but there's no magical cure. Roughly 500,000 Americans undergo CTS surgery, but some experts say surgery is overprescribed. Many doctors recommend more conservative treatments - such as splints, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy - before opting for surgery. However, most people who do receive CTS surgery report a significant improvement in the function of their hands with a simultaneous reduction in pain.
The University Of Maryland Medical Center believes these characteristics make a person a better candidate for carpal tunnel surgery:
- Symptoms present for 10 months or longer
- Continual numbness in hand
- Palm muscles have started to shrink
- Candidate is 50 or older
CTS can have a profound impact on someone's career and personal life. In Ohio, serious cases of carpal tunnel may trigger workers' compensation benefits. Surgery or rehab can cost an employee weeks away from work, so it's important that the workers' compensation system helps give a CTS sufferer the opportunity to heal and come back healthier and more productive.
If you suffer from CTS and need workers' comp benefits to cover the cost of your treatment and/or time away from work, contact an experienced Ohio work injury attorney to discuss your options.
Source: umm.edu, "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prevention," Harvey Simon, MD
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