This article focuses on one of the most common vibration injuries amongst workers with manual roles – Carpal tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed? Read on for further information.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – What is it?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (often shortened as CTS) is a painful condition affecting hand and fingers. It is caused by compression of a major nerve where it passes over the carpal bones at the front of the wrist.
The condition causes symptoms such as numbness, pins and needles, and weakness of the hand or fingers.
Symptoms
Generally, symptoms usually begin slowly and can occur at any time. Early symptoms include numbness at night, tingling, and/or pain in the fingers.
Common symptoms during the daytime are tingling and decreased feeling in the fingertips. Difficulty may also be experienced when handling small objects, grasping the steering wheel in a vehicle, holding book while reading, holding a pen or a pencil, or using a computer keyboard or mouse, etc.
Diagnosis of CTS
Carpal tunnel Syndrome is diagnosed by examining personal history (job or day to day routine), physical examination, and a Nerve Conduction Test.
Physical examinations will entail a detailed evaluation of your hand, wrist, shoulder, and neck to check for any other causes of nerve pressure. Any tenderness or deformities will also be assessed by a doctor.
A Nerve Conduction Test (NCT) measures the conduction speed of your nerve impulses. If the nerve impulse is slower than normal as the nerve passes into the hand, it may be that the patient has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Could my employer be liable for my condition?
Under the Health and Safety Act 1974, employers have a duty so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the safety and welfare of employees.
If the agreements in these duties are breached, there will be a claim in negligence against them.
Further reading
For a detailed look at Vibration Injuries, check out this resource.
How do I get in touch?
Contact our team today on 0113 306 9039, and we will advise you on whether or not your case is likely to succeed.
