Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm. It is a medical condition that occurs because of inflammation in the hands and wrists. CTS can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and workers’ compensation is an important question for workers throughout Illinois. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common workplace injuries. The American Academy of Family Physicians has found that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects approximately 5.8 percent of all adults in the United States.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include:

• Clumsiness of the hand when gripping objects
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
• Pain that extends to the elbow
• Pain in the wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with people who:

• Assembly line work
• Driving motor vehicles
• Managing the cash register
• Keyboarding occupations
• Repetitively pressing objects
• Repetitively pushing objects
• Repetitively slicing objects
• Jobs that require repeated use of vibrating tools

Any worker in any occupation with extensive hand use can be susceptible to Carpal tunnel syndrome and pursue a workers’ compensation claim. We will review your injuries, the circumstances of the workplace injury and your viable legal options. For immediate help with a work injury case call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or contact us online.