Exploring Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – A Real Pain!
Colorado attorney R. Mack Babcock and associates discuss causes, symptoms and treatments for this common occupational condition
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the leading occupational diseases, affecting countless workers across various industries. Unlike an injury that can be traced to a single event, an occupational disease or condition occurs gradually over time, often as a result of repetitive motions or prolonged strain.
For workers in Colorado, understanding if you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after developing CTS is crucial. This article aims to provide you with essential information on how to navigate the workers’ compensation system after a carpal tunnel injury, including the steps involved in filing a claim.
Whether you work in an office or at a construction site, understanding your rights and options can make a significant difference in managing this debilitating condition.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the wrist and into the hand. This nerve controls sensation and movement in parts of the hand.
The condition is named after the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist where the median nerve and several tendons pass through. When these tendons become swollen or inflamed, they can put pressure on the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. This compression can cause significant discomfort and can sometimes be debilitating.
What are the usual causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
CTS is caused by repetitive motions in the wrist area. There are other issues that lead to carpal tunnel besides job duties. Some of these include alcohol abuse, infections, pregnancy, arthritis, obesity, and a cyst or tumor in the wrist. However, diabetes takes the prize as the leading non-work cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Therefore, it is vital to report when you feel the way you do because there are a lot of reasons carpal tunnel comes about.
Which workers are most at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are a variety of jobs in which people have suffered carpal tunnel due to their duties.
In the past, repetitive typing was blamed as the top work-related cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, there are a variety of other jobs and tasks with a clear link to CTS, including:
- Assembly line workers
- Barbers
- Musicians
- Hairdressers
- Drivers (truck drivers, delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, etc.)
- Construction workers, roofers, and other laborers who frequently use tools like jackhammers, chippers, drills, chainsaws, and hammers
What symptoms are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome?
There are a variety of symptoms with CTS, including:
- Numbness and tingling in the thumb and palm area
- Clumsiness in grasping items
- Pain extending to the elbow
- Severe pain in the wrist
- Inability to grip something firmly
Because some of the symptoms associated with CTS are similar to those in other conditions, it’s crucial to get a diagnosis from a qualified physician to ensure you get the necessary treatment to prevent the condition from worsening.
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How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
A doctor may recommend a variety of treatments. Many sufferers of CTS get better over time, but about half actually require surgery. It can take months of healing after surgery, but if CTS isn’t treated, the nerve can be damaged and cause permanent tingling and numbness issues.
Other treatments besides surgery include cold/warm compresses, not sleeping on wrists, and splints. There are medications that can help with the pain as well. Before a doctor can make a recommendation, they will likely need to take X-rays, CT scans, and an MRI.
What steps do I need to take to get workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome in Colorado?
Your first step is to visit a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A confirmed diagnosis is crucial because it establishes that you have a medical condition that may be work-related.
Once you receive a medical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, you’re required to notify your employer in writing within 10 days if you want it covered under workers’ comp.
In Colorado, your employer may require you to see an employer-approved doctor for your workers’ compensation claim. It’s important to follow this protocol to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
A medical diagnosis is essential as it:
- Confirms that you have carpal tunnel syndrome
- Provides medical documentation linking your condition to your work activities
- Establishes the severity of your condition and the necessary treatments
One of the main challenges in a workers’ compensation claim for CTS is proving that your condition is directly related to your job duties. Unlike acute injuries, CTS develops over time, making it harder to pinpoint its exact cause.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist you by:
- Gathering and organizing medical evidence and documentation
- Helping you follow the proper legal and procedural steps
- Representing you in disputes regarding the cause of your injury
- Ensuring you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to
If you believe your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related, it’s crucial to start the process as soon as possible and seek legal advice to navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system in Colorado.
Are there changes that can be made in the workplace to reduce stress on your wrist?
There are, but definitely discuss these with your employer. Have someone review the position in which you are sitting to make certain that your keyboard is low enough where you are not bending your wrists upward while typing.
There are also special keyboards, mouse pads, and other tools that can be purchased to help with your duties. Certain circumstances may require you to make major changes in your work duties for a period of time to allow your injury to fully heal.
Need help with a Colorado workers’ comp claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?
If you’re suffering from an occupational condition like carpal tunnel, we strongly urge you to seek legal advice after reporting the situation to your employer.
Whether you’ve been injured on the job in Lakewood, Aurora, or any location in the Denver area, the experienced Denver workers’ compensation attorneys at The Babcock Law Firm can help you navigate the complex claims process, gather the necessary medical evidence, and advocate for your rights.
