Occupational Diseases: Long-Term Loss of Wages Caused By Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause people to lose time they could be spending at work and can affect their earning potential for years to come. An analysis of nearly 8,800 workers' compensation claims made in Washington state revealed that workers who had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel lost more days of work and had a sharp drop in their long-term wages compared to those who had filed for injuries due to an arm fracture. On average, six years after filing for their injuries, workers with carpal tunnel syndrome were making less than half of their pre-injury wages.

Long-Term Loss of Wages Seen After Wrist Disorder

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist and the hand and is caused by a pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand, fingers, and wrist. Research has suggested that many people are genetically predisposed to carpal tunnel. Popular thought has long maintained that repetitive actions, such as typing, can lead to carpal tunnel, though little evidence supports this theory. Working with vibrating instruments has been linked to worsening carpal tunnel symptoms.