Office Workers Are at Risk of Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Office workers spend much of their workday performing repetitive computer-related tasks while seated at desks. Although office jobs may not involve heavy physical labor, they still carry a real risk of work-related injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can have several contributing factors. Whether job duties caused or aggravated the condition requires an individual medical assessment.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist.
Workers often develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to:
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements
- Keyboard or mouse use, by itself, does not establish occupational causation; the evidence about the particular duties and medical condition matters.
- Improper workstation setup
- Sustained awkward hand positions
Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
- Pain or burning sensations in the wrist, hand, or forearm
- Symptoms that worsen at night and disrupt sleep
These symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time if work duties continue.
Workers’ Compensation and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When carpal tunnel syndrome is caused or aggravated by job duties, workers may be entitled to:
- Medical treatment for the condition
- Wage-loss benefits if they are unable to work
- Ongoing benefits if the condition limits their ability to perform their job
Insurance companies frequently dispute carpal tunnel claims by arguing that the condition is not work-related or is pre-existing. A denial does not automatically mean you do not have a valid claim.
You can learn more about how insurers challenge claims on our denial of benefits page.
Get Help for a Work-Related Repetitive Strain Injury
If you developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to your job duties, you may be entitled to benefits under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.
For help protecting your rights after a work-related repetitive strain injury, call 610-892-9300 or contact us online for a free consultation.