Don’t Let Carpal Tunnel and Other Issues Get the Upper Hand

When a painful injury prevents you from working, it can disrupt your entire life, whether that injury is the result of a single accident or of cumulative trauma over time. Workers in various fields and industries face the risk of repetitive stress injuries, but people tend to overlook and dismiss these types of injuries because they are unseen.

Carpal tunnel is one of the most common types of repetitive stress injuries. It develops over time and can ultimately become so painful that Missouri victims are unable to continue with what were once daily, routine activities. If you are suffering from this type of injury, you may have a rightful claim to certain types of financial benefits.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an issue that affects the median nerve. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary in order to avoid permanent damage. Most doctors diagnose this issue with the following:

• A doctor does a physical examination of the hands and arms to determine if the pain and discomfort relates to every day activity or other medical issues. The wrist can show signs of swelling and discoloration, and a victim can lose sensation in hands and fingers.

• A doctor may order x-rays or other types of diagnostic tests to determine if arthritis, diabetes or another underlying condition could be the cause of the pain and suffering.

• Doctors may sometimes perform electrodiagnostic tests as well as other physical tests that gauge the health of the median nerve.

• Ultrasounds may also identify and diagnose carpal tunnel and other types of conditions that can prevent a person from doing his or her job.

The type of treatment and recovery necessary for a person suffering from carpal tunnel will depend on the nature of the individual case. Splinting, prescription medication, over-the-counter-drugs and avoiding certain activities can all help. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to Carpal Tunnel?

Any person could develop carpal tunnel, but there are certain workers who may be more susceptible to this type of injury, including people with pre existing conditions and individuals who write, lift, type or do other repetitive tasks as part of their job.

When you develop a medical condition as the result of your job, you have the right to recovery. You may have a valid claim to certain benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits, which can include recovery of medical expenses and lost wages. If you are dealing with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome or other type of repetitive stress injury, you will find great benefits in speaking with a lawyer regarding your options for securing financial support.