Do you often feel a tingling sensation or numbness in your hands while working? You might be experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a common work-related injury.
As New York’s experienced workers’ comp doctors, we at Workers Comp Doctors understand how debilitating this condition can be, especially when it interferes with your work duties. Learn about workers comp carpal tunnel and how you can manage it.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and three middle fingers, is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This compression can lead to symptoms such as tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in your hand.
According to data from the Occupational Health Project, women are three times more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men, and it’s a condition that can worsen without proper care.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Several factors can contribute to carpal tunnel:
- Repetitive motions with the hands, such as typing
- Frequent grasping movements, such as with certain physical activities
Other contributing factors include joint or bone disease, hormonal or metabolic changes, and injuries of the wrist.
How To Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome can include:
- Splinting your hand
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication
- Undergoing surgery
- Doing exercises to stretch and strengthen your hand
- Making worksite changes
A study published by the American Association for Hand Surgery found that 90% of patients who underwent carpal tunnel release surgery experienced a significant reduction in symptoms and improvement in hand function.
Your workers’ comp doctor can also help prove that your carpal tunnel is related to your job duties to help you qualify for reimbursement through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Find a Carpal Tunnel Doctor Through Workers Comp Doctors
Understanding workers comp carpal tunnel is the first step in managing this common work-related injury. At Workers Comp Doctors, we treat this common work-related injury and commit to helping our patients in New York get back to their normal routines.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
If you’re struggling with carpal tunnel symptoms, reach out to us at (888) 533-0870.
FAQ
Can I choose my own doctor for workers’ comp in New York?
Yes, in New York, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor for workers’ compensation cases. However, the doctor must be authorized by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, except in emergency situations.
What Does Carpal Tunnel Feel Like?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause a “pins and needles” feeling in the fingers and burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. If you’re experiencing this symptom due to carpal tunnel injuries, see a health care provider for a diagnosis.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Doctors treat workers’ comp carpal tunnel syndrome by splinting the hand, taking anti-inflammatory medication, undergoing surgery, making worksite changes, and doing exercises to strengthen the hand.