California Workers' Comp Institute reports on carpal tunnel claims

February 28, 2013 (Press-News.org) California Workers' Comp Institute reports on carpal tunnel claims

Article provided by Law Offices of Thomas Hoegh
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is common work-related injury. When an individual acquires carpal tunnel syndrome through his or her work, the worker may be able to obtain workers' compensation benefits. A recent report from the California Workers' Compensation Institute provides details on workers' compensation claims for carpal tunnel syndrome in California, showing the increasing occurrence of this type of injury and the comprehensive medical care that is often required to treat it.

The California Workers' Compensation Institute is a private, nonprofit organization of workers' compensation insurers. Its recently released Injury Scorecard contains information on nearly 20,000 California workers' compensation claims based on carpal tunnel syndrome from 2001 to 2011. Among other things, the report reveals that claims for carpal tunnel syndrome made up less than 1 percent of all work-related injury claims in California, yet they accounted for 2.4 percent of all workers' compensation benefit payments.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

The National Institutes of Health says that carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve on the bottom of the wrist near the palm is squeezed or pressured. This can lead to tingling, numbness, weakness and muscle damage in the fingers, hand and forearm, which can limit an individual's ability to work and perform normal daily activities.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be especially prevalent when attempting to grip a small object or hold a steering wheel, as well as when first awakening. Common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
-Numbness and tingling in the palm of the hand or first three fingers
-Pain in the hand or wrist, sometimes extending to the elbow
-Weakness or clumsiness when gripping or holding items

Workers in many industries are at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Injury Scorecard reports that more than 60 percent of the workers' compensation claims for carpal tunnel syndrome came from three job sectors:
-Professional and clerical
-Manufacturing
-Mercantile

In addition, the greatest increase in the rate of claims for carpal tunnel syndrome occurred with hospital workers, constituting 14 percent of all claims since 2008.

Carpal tunnel treatment

The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity and duration of the injury. Non-surgical treatment may include wearing a splint and making ergonomic adjustments to one's workspace. Sometimes, though, surgery is necessary to release pressure on the median nerve. Of course, all treatments depend on the unique circumstances of the individual, and anyone who thinks they may have carpal tunnel syndrome should consult a doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and think it may be related to your job, contact a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney to discuss the benefits that may be available to you.