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. Here we explain what carpal tunnel syndrome is, what causes it and the steps you can take 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 in your wrist.
You have two median nerves in your body, one in each arm. They begin in your armpits and run down your arms into your hands, branching into your fingers. The median nerve controls sensation and movement in your lower arm (from the elbow down), particularly in your hands and fingers, helping you move your fingers and thumb.
As the median nerve runs into your hand, it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway in your wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. If this passageway becomes compressed, such as from inflammation or injury, the nerve can become pinched. This is what causes 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 securely
- Pain that radiates up the forearm, often worsening at night
- Increased clumsiness, such as dropping items more frequently
CTS symptoms often start gradually but can get worse over time. If left untreated, the condition can lead to permanent nerve damage and ongoing symptoms.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve in your arm is compressed as it runs through the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This compression can be caused by a range of factors, including:
Repetitive hand movements and workplace strain
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often a repetitive strain injury caused by repeating the same hand movements, using poor wrist positioning, or exposure to vibration. This is especially common in the workplace. Some of the most frequent job-related causes of CTS include:
- Typing and computer work: Long hours using a keyboard and mouse with poor wrist positioning can put pressure on the median nerve.
- Vibrating tools: Using power drills, jackhammers, chainsaws and similar machinery can contribute to nerve compression.
- Factory work and assembly lines: Repetitive gripping, lifting, and pressing can strain the wrist over time.
- Hairdressing, cooking, mechanic work: Tasks that involve frequent use of scissors, knives, or handheld tools can lead to inflammation in the wrist.
- Driving: Long periods spent gripping a steering wheel can also put strain on the carpal tunnel.
Health conditions that increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
Certain medical conditions can increase your susceptibility to developing carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
- Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can contribute to swelling and nerve compression.
- Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to nerve damage and increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Thyroid disorders and pregnancy: Hormonal changes can cause fluid retention and swelling, which may narrow the carpal tunnel.
Other carpal tunnel risk factors
Other things that can increase your risk of developing CTS include:
- Current and previous injuries: Wrist sprains or fractures can cause narrowing of the carpal tunnel or lead to long-term inflammation. Even if an injury appears to have healed, it may leave you more vulnerable to CTS in future.
- Lifestyle factors that harm circulation: Poor circulation caused by obesity, smoking, or other lifestyle-related health issues can also contribute.
How can CTS be prevented?
While carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
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. Knowing what to look out for is the first step towards prevention.
Make workplace adjustments
Since carpal tunnel syndrome is often a workplace injury caused by repetitive strain, making small changes at work can have a big impact. Try to:
- Use an ergonomic setup: Whether you’re sitting at a desk or using tools, your posture and positioning matter. Look into ergonomic guides or ask your employer about training.
- Limit repetitive tasks: Switching between jobs can help reduce repetitive strain on your wrists.
- Take regular breaks: Frequent pauses throughout the day can ease pressure and reduce the risk of symptoms.
- Stretch: Learn and practise wrist stretches during breaks to relieve tension and improve flexibility.
Use protective gear for high-risk jobs
If your job involves repetitive tasks or vibration, protective gear can help reduce the strain:
- Anti-vibration gloves: These can help reduce the strain caused by using power tools and heavy machinery.
- Wrist braces: Providing extra support, braces can help keep your wrists in a safer position during repetitive tasks.
Healthy lifestyle habits
Leading a healthy life can reduce your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (as well as reducing your risk of a wide range of diseases and conditions). Try to:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can contribute to chronic inflammation and increase your risk.
- Manage underlying health conditions: If you have arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid issues, keeping them under control can lower your chances of developing CTS.
- Improve circulation: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and eating a balanced diet can all help improve blood flow and support nerve health.
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 giving 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
- Carrying out risk assessments for roles and work practices that increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Putting in place measures to reduce repetitive strain and vibration exposure
Failure to meet any of these obligations could constitute negligence on your employer’s part, giving you grounds to make a claim for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Time limits for making carpal tunnel compensation claims
You typically have three years from the date of your diagnosis to begin a claim. However, if your symptoms developed gradually over time due to ongoing workplace strain, there may be some flexibility. Whatever your situation, we can advise you on the relevant deadlines and next steps.
How to start a CTS claim?
The process will vary depending on your circumstances, but generally speaking, you should:
- Seek medical advice: Get a confirmed diagnosis from a medical professional, along with advice on managing or treating your symptoms.
- Gather workplace evidence: Collect anything that helps show how your job contributed to your condition. This might include photos of your workstation, details of your job tasks, or copies of workplace risk assessments.
- Speak to a no-win, no-fee solicitor: At Injury Lawyers 4u, we can assess your claim and advise you on the best way forward. With our no-win, no-fee service, you won’t pay us a penny unless your claim is successful.
How much can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome
The amount you could claim for CTS or a similar hand injury will depend on your unique situation, including the severity of your injury and how much it impacts your life. You can use our compensation calculator to get a general idea of how much you could claim, or speak to our team for a more tailored assessment based on your circumstances.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help with your CTS claim
If you’ve developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of your working conditions, don’t suffer in silence — get in touch with us today.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we specialise in workplace injury claims, including those involving repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. We’ll assess your case, advise you on your options, and guide you through each stage of the claims process.
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 possible.