According to a new study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, women are three times more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome than men. In this article, they discuss the two definitive tests that can diagnose the syndrome, but it is the section at the end about preventing carpal tunnel syndrome that has us interested.

They say that the American Physical Therapy Association gives these tips to people who are at risk of developing carpal tunnel:

Only move fingers and keep wrists straight when typing and use a pad to rest during breaks.
Maintain good posture to reduce strain when typing.
Keep computer monitor at eye level.
Take frequent breaks from activities that require repetitive motion.

At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we look at those tips and think about how many people in many different jobs they could benefit. This goes beyond the jobs that many people associate with carpal tunnel.

Do you know what to do if you have developed this syndrome and your employer is not taking you seriously?

If you need a San Diego carpal tunnel syndrome attorney, you can count on us to be by your side, working to secure the compensation you deserve for your injury.

WHAT IS IT?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects an area that is actually called the “carpal tunnel,” an area that lets your median nerve and several tendons go from your arm to your wrist. If this area becomes compressed, you can experience pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in your arm, hand, and wrist.

CTS can keep people from performing their jobs appropriately and affects up to 2.7 percent of the US population.

Carpal tunnel develops in people who engage in repeating activities with their hands. While most of us only think of those who type at their desks, that is only one way that CTS develops. Consider the following:

Apparel manufacturing
Administrative work
Food processing
Scrubbing
Turning keys
Assembling small parts
Using air-powered hand tools
Using a laser scanner at checkout counters
Many more

As you can see, many people can be affected by CTS. Employers in fields likely to see employees develop CTS should take preventative measure to prevent it (regular breaks, ergonomic equipment etc.) and should take all injury claims seriously.

Workers’ compensation insurance should not flatly deny people making carpal tunnel syndrome claims.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

We know that your employer may not be taking your injury seriously. If you have been denied a claim, or worse, fired for reporting carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, then you need to seek legal assistance now. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, our knowledgeable and experienced team is ready to help you.

We will work for the following: