Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) causes pain, numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist. This is due to excessive compression of the median nerve – one of the main nerves leading to the hand. This condition comes from a place in the wrist called the tunnel of the wrist. At this point, the median nerve and several tendons pass from the forearm to the palm. Can carpal tunnel be caused by a car accident?
Usually, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome appear gradually. Patients cannot seek treatment for several months after the onset of symptoms. Tingling or numbness of the thumb, middle finger and forefinger usually occurs first, but it cannot last more than a few moments in the early stages of the disease. Usually these sensations will not aim at the pink toe – at least not at first.
Other common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Weakness in the hand
- Dropping items
- Pain and discomfort in the hand and wrist
- Feeling swollen, even if there really is no swelling
- He constantly feels the need to “shake” his wrist or hand
- Difficulty sleeping
Patients who wait too long for treatment may experience permanent damage to the nerves or muscles affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Long-term effects of carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is not something that disappears by itself. In fact, the condition gets worse over time if left untreated. The situation may be worse at night and you feel relief early in the morning. You may not be able to perform your duties due to numbness and reduced grip. Sometimes numbness and weakness also limit activities at home, including helping a family.
Some treatment options available to people diagnosed with CTS include:
Avoiding excessive workload and failure to perform professional duties and activities that aggravate this condition.
- Icing and use of wrist splints to support this area.
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Taking corticosteroids.
- Use of an opioid analgesic for severe CTS.
- Receiving endoscopic or open surgery to correct CTS.
Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome
The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related repetitive motor trauma. Less known but no less real car accidents can also cause injury to internal tunnel structures. A wrist fracture, bone dislocation or possible tendon swelling can slowly increase the pressure on the median nerve.
For example, a driver whose car has front or rear may be forced to hit the steering wheel. The strength of that person’s hands hitting the steering column can cause swelling, sprain or fracture that causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can I recover compensation for CTS?
If your CTS arose as a result of a car accident, you can apply for a refund by submitting a car accident claim. If you owe an accident and have adequate insurance, you can apply to your insurer.