What Jobs Are Commonly Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), carpal tunnel syndrome affects up to 10 million people in the United States of America. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hand. Common symptoms of CTS include tingling, numbness, and weakness. This condition occurs when one of the major nerves in the hand, called the median nerve, is compressed or squeezed as it passes through the wrist. You can get carpal tunnel syndrome if you injure the median nerve or after repeating the same hand motion over a long time. If carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, it can result in permanent dysfunction of the hand. For this reason, it is vital that CTS is diagnosed and treated promptly.

Employees are at a high risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. While workers in almost all jobs are at risk of developing CTS, some employees are at a higher risk than others. By understanding what jobs are commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, employees can take proactive steps to prevent this injury. The following are some of the jobs that are commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Office Work

Anyone who works in an office whose job entails typing on a keyboard for many hours a day is at a high risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Officer workers at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome include secretaries, computer programmers, accountants, data entry workers, receptionists, and graphic designers. Some things office workers can do to reduce the risk of developing CTC include using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, taking regular breaks during their job, and adjusting their chairs and workstations to the right height.

Construction Jobs

Forceful repetitive gripping is a leading cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Construction workers face a lot of risks while at work, with one of those risks being developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Repeated use of vibrating tools such as jackhammers and power saws can lead to the development of CTS among construction workers. Over time, the constant vibration can irritate the median nerve in the wrist, causing this condition.

Assembly Line and Factory Work

Assembly line and factory workers are also at a high risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. These workers repeat the same gestures over long periods. The repetitive motions can strain the hand and lead to CTS. Assembly line and factory workers are also at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to awkward hand positions.

Healthcare Jobs

Healthcare workers such as nurses, doctors, and therapists, who frequently use their hands or use forceful hand movements when working, are at a high risk of developing CTS. Tasks healthcare workers perform that can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome include using medical instruments, charting, and typing. Prolonged gripping motions and lifting patients can also lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Telephone Operator Work

Telephone operators have to hold a phone for long periods. This can strain the fingers, elbows, and wrists and lead to the development of CTS. Telephone operators can reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome by using headsets to take calls.

Legal Help Is Available

After an employee develops carpal tunnel syndrome due to their work, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. To get help with a  workers’ compensation claim, contact our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC.

Source:

ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-carpal-tunnel-syndrome#:~:text=Carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome%20affects%20up%20to%2010%20million%20people%20in%20the%20United%20States