Many of us spend most of the day at work tapping away on our computer keyboards. However, research suggests that typing could be a major cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS results from the compression of the nerve which controls movement and sensation in the wrist – the median nerve. It is a fairly common condition, with sufferers generally feeling tingling, numbness or pain in their hands but the condition could also result in dull aches in the arm, thumb weakness and a loss of grip strength.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are thought to be several potential reasons for developing CTS. Pregnancy, diabetes, sleeping positions, family history and previous wrist injuries could all be contributing factors to CTS. However, scientists are particularly interested in the relationship between repetitive strain in the hands and the condition. Whilst some believe that repetitive motions at work have no part to play, the National Centre for Biotechnology Information argues that typing is the most common cause of CTS.
It is now thought that vibration could also play a significant role, meaning that construction workers could be at greater risk of CTS, especially those using pneumatic drills or other vibrating machinery. That is, of course, in addition to the already accepted risk to construction workers of other medical conditions caused by their job such as vibration white finger and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Sufferers may be able to claim compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by taking advantage of the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. This is because the government now classifies CTS as an industrial disease.
Indeed, there may be cost associated with the condition, both in terms of lost earnings, and medical expenses. CTS patients can hopefully be treated using a wrist splint to minimise pressure on the median nerve, however some sufferers will require cortisone injections or a course of anti-inflammatory drugs. Failing that, surgery may be required, whereby surgeons relieve pressure on the median nerve by cutting a ligament in the wrist. This is only required in a very small number of cases though and doctors hope to treat the condition in other ways.
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