Carpal tunnel syndrome (often abbreviated to CTS) is an all too common condition that affects the hands and wrists, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. It’s caused by compression on the median nerve, which runs down your arm, through your wrist and into your hand. This nerve pressure can cause significant problems, making it difficult to work, drive, sleep comfortably, hold objects reliably, and get on with your everyday life.
CTS is a serious condition that more people should be aware of. In this guide, we explain what it is, what causes it, and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing CTS. We’ll also look at how we can help with carpal tunnel compensation claims.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the median nerve becoming compressed due to swelling or structural changes in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in your wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. This is a repeat of the above
You have two median nerves in your body, one in each arm. They begin in your armpit and run down your arm and into your hand, branching into your fingers. These nerves control sensation and movement in your forearms, hands, and fingers – especially your thumb.
As your median nerves run from your lower arm and into your hands, they pass through a part of your wrist called the carpal tunnel. If the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed or inflamed, it can press on the median nerve and cause symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome can present a range of symptoms, including:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Weak grip strength, making it harder to hold objects reliably
- Pain that radiates up the forearm, often worse at night
- Increased clumsiness, leading to dropping objects more often
CTS symptoms often begin mildly but can worsen over time. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and lasting symptoms.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This compression can be triggered by a range of factors, including repetitive movements, health conditions, and previous injuries.
Repetitive hand movements and workplace strain
CTS is most often a repetitive strain injury. It can develop from repeatedly making the same hand or wrist movements, holding your wrist in awkward positions, or using vibrating tools. Common work-related causes include:
- Typing and computer work: Poor wrist positioning and long hours at a keyboard or mouse can lead to nerve compression.
- Vibrating tools: Power drills, jackhammers, chainsaws, and similar tools are closely linked to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Factory work and assembly lines: Repetitive gripping, lifting, and pressing movements can put strain on the wrist over time.
- Hairdressing, cooking, mechanic work: Tasks that require prolonged gripping of tools or implements can lead to inflammation in the carpal tunnel.
- Driving: Holding a steering wheel for long periods can also put pressure on the median nerve.
Health conditions that increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
Several medical conditions can make you more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Arthritis: Certain forms of joint inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, can contribute to nerve compression.
- Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to nerve damage, making carpal tunnel syndrome more likely.
- Thyroid disorders and pregnancy: Hormonal changes can cause fluid retention and swelling, which may narrow the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve.
Other carpal tunnel risk factors
Other contributors to CTS include:
- Current and previous injuries: Wrist sprains or fractures can alter the shape of the carpal tunnel or cause lingering inflammation, raising your risk even years later.
- Poor circulation: Lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking can reduce circulation, increasing your risk of inflammation and nerve compression.
How can CTS be prevented?
While carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.
Be aware of carpal tunnel syndrome
One of the best ways to guard against CTS is to be aware of it. It’s key to understand what carpal tunnel symptoms are and how they can often develop slowly over time. You’ll want to know any carpal tunnel risk factors you face and what you can do to mitigate them. This is the first step in preventing CTS.
Make workplace adjustments
Since carpal tunnel syndrome is most often a workplace injury caused by repetitive strain, making small changes to your setup and routine can significantly reduce your risk. Try to:
- Set up your workspace properly: Whether you’re sitting or standing, typing at a keyboard or using tools, make sure your posture and wrist positioning are correct. You can find ergonomic guidance online, and your employer may offer training or support.
- Rotate tasks: If possible, switch between tasks throughout the day to avoid putting continuous strain on the same muscles.
- Take regular breaks: Short, frequent breaks can prevent repetitive strain from building up.
- Do wrist stretches: Simple exercises during your breaks can help keep your wrists flexible and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Use protective gear for high-risk jobs
Make use of protective equipment if your work involves tasks that are high-risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Consider:
- Anti-vibration gloves: These can reduce the impact of power tools and other vibrating equipment.
- Wrist braces: Wearing a brace during repetitive work can help keep your wrist in a neutral position, reducing strain on the median nerve.
Healthy lifestyle habits
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also lower your risk of developing CTS and other inflammatory conditions. Aim to:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight can increase inflammation and put pressure on nerves.
- Manage health conditions: Stay on top of conditions like arthritis or diabetes that are known to increase your risk.
- Avoid habits that harm circulation: Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of nerve damage.
Can I claim compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome?
If you develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to conditions at your work, you may be entitled to compensation. In the UK, employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes providing access to ergonomic equipment and training on how to limit the risk of repetitive strain injury.
When CTS is work-related
Your employer is responsible for:
- Providing ergonomic equipment and safe workstations
- Conducting risk assessments for roles and work practices that increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Implementing safety measures to prevent repetitive strain injuries
Failure to meet any of these obligations could constitute negligence on your employer’s part, making you eligible to file a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Time limits for making carpal tunnel compensation claims
You usually have three years from the date of your CTS diagnosis to start a claim. But if your condition developed gradually over time, the clock might start from the date you first linked your symptoms to your work.
Whatever your situation, get in touch with us and we’ll advise you on your claim window.
How to start a CTS claim?
If you think you’ve developed CTS through your job, here are the key steps to follow:
- Get a medical diagnosis: A doctor will need to confirm your condition and may recommend treatment or further tests.
- Gather evidence: This might include photos of your workstation, written descriptions of your job duties, copies of risk assessments, and any incident reports or complaints.
- Speak to a legal expert: At Injury Lawyers 4u, we offer a no-win, no-fee service, meaning you can seek compensation without any financial risk.
How much can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The amount you can claim for CTS or a similar hand injury will depend on your unique situation, including how severe your symptoms are and how much the injury impacts your life.
You can use our compensation calculator to get a rough estimate for general damages, but for a clearer idea based on your circumstances, speak to our team directly.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help with your CTS claim
If you’ve developed carpal tunnel syndrome because of your working conditions, don’t suffer in silence — speak to us.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we specialise in workplace injury claims, including repetitive strain and CTS cases. We’ll assess your situation, advise you on your next steps, and guide you through the carpal tunnel compensation claim process from start to finish.
Call us on 0333 400 4445 for a free, no obligation consultation, or fill in a contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.