| The carpal tunnel is a canal that travels from the | | | | membrane and relieves pressure on the nerve. |
| forearm to the hand containing nine tendons. The | | | | If these treatments do not provide relief, the doctor |
| tendons are covered by a membrane. Carpal tunnel | | | | may decide to perform surgery referred to as a |
| syndrome (CTS) is the swelling of this membrane | | | | "release." The ligament that forms the roof of the |
| which causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand. | | | | carpal tunnel will be cut to relieve the pressure on the |
| There are many causes of CTS including: repetitive | | | | nerve. Local anesthesia is used during this common |
| and forceful grasping, repetitive bending of the wrist, | | | | surgery and an overnight stay is not required. |
| broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which | | | | CTS can be work related. Most doctors agree that |
| produce swelling, arthritis, thyroid gland imbalance, | | | | typing or repetitive use of the hands contributes to |
| excessive typing, hormonal changes associated with | | | | carpal tunnel syndrome. Illinois law states if your job |
| menopause, and pregnancy. | | | | causes, aggravates or accelerates your problem, it is |
| If you have symptoms you should see a doctor, | | | | covered under the Illinois Workers' Compensation |
| preferably one who specializes in hand injuries. The | | | | Act. |
| strongest indicator of a problem is numbness, tingling | | | | Everyone with job related CTS is entitled to |
| or pain in the hand or wrist, sometimes extending to | | | | reimbursement for all medical bills, including co-pays |
| the elbow or fingers. | | | | and other out-of-pocket expenses. If you miss time |
| There are different treatments for carpal tunnel | | | | from work you may be entitled to compensation for |
| syndrome and a doctor will be able to recommend | | | | this time period. You may also be entitled to benefits |
| individualized care. If the CTS is not severe, a doctor | | | | for the permanent nature of your injury. The amount |
| might recommend a wrist splint. The stationary | | | | depends on the ultimate recovery as well as your |
| position of the wrist relieves pressure and reduces | | | | earnings at the time of the diagnosis. |
| the inflammation. A doctor can also prescribe | | | | Many workers who think they have CTS actually |
| medications for pain and inflammation. | | | | have other problems such as DeQuervain's |
| For more severe cases, a doctor may perform a | | | | tenosynovitis, trigger finger problems, radial tunnel |
| cortisone injection. The doctor injects medicine into | | | | syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve |
| the wrist which reduces the swelling of the | | | | compression. |