If you think that you are suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) you should make an appointment with your doctor without delay. He or she will be able to prescribe treatment for you, and to refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Many mild cases of CTS will actually get better without treatment, but doctors will often deal with the condition by means of:
- Treating the underlying cause – for example, if the CTS is caused by diabetes, treating that condition may help the CTS too.
- A wrist splint – these are usually worn at night, and reduce pressure on the median nerve by preventing the wrist from bending.
- A steroid injection – this is given directly into the wrist and is often very effective.
- Surgery – this is only used in severe cases. The procedure involves cutting the ligament on top of the carpal tunnel in order to relieve the pressure on the nerve. There are two types of surgery: ‘carpal tunnel release’ and ‘median nerve release’.
In addition to the above-listed treatments, painkillers, yoga, acupuncture and other alternative therapies may be useful in helping certain patients return to better health and fuller functionality – these therapies may not have proven largescale efficacy, but some individual sufferers report improvement in their symptoms.
Occupational factors
Jobs which involve repetitive hand or arm movements are those that are most likely to lead to the development of CTS, particularly if they involve a high level of vibration.
For those who are employed in such positions, it is vital that you and your employer take extra steps to minimise the possibility of the development of CTS, whether this involves extra training, Personal Protective Equipment or more.
Employers have a duty to take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent workers from developing CTS. The risks are plain and under regulation 8 of RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is listed as one of six reportable diseases linked to occupational exposure to specified hazards.
According to the HSE, there were 145 new claims for CTS across Great Britain in 2017. Of those, 20 claims came from Scotland. Over the last ten years in Scotland, the number of new claimants for CTS has seen a gradual downward trend. In 2008, there 95 new cases reported to the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme.
Thompsons – for work-related injury claims
If you have recently been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and are considering the possibility of making a compensation claim for the condition, it is vital that you speak with an expert who can help you determine your legal rights and options.. In most cases, there are strict statutory time limits in place for the making of a CTS compensation claim, so the sooner you begin the process, the better your chances of securing settlement.
If you wish to speak with an expert today, without obligation, call us on 0800 0891331.
