Chicago personal injury and workers compensation law firm Morici, Longo & Associates represent many clients that have suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A workers' compensation attorney in Chicago, Robert Butzow, has helped dozens of injured Illinois workers' retain compensation for injuries to their wrists caused by Carpal Tunnel.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Robert Butzow explains that carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is constant pressure on the median nerve which narrows the carpal tunnel. The median nerve and many other tendons run through the forearm to the hand, which pass through a small space called the carpal tunnel. Pain, tingling, and numbness are all symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How does one develop carpal tunnel?
Our firm represents many workers who constantly use their hands, wrists, and forearms in repetitive movements over and over again throughout a period of time. The constant motions of gripping, typing, squeezing, turning etc. can all lead to inflammation of the median nerve, and narrow the space inside the carpal tunnel resulting in pain and discomfort.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
A physical examination done by a doctor will be performed to see if there are any inconsistencies with the way the hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders, and neck perform basic daily tasks. Nerve testing can be done as well to see if the median nerve is working as it should. Morici, Longo & Associates works with many physicians from top Chicago hospitals, such as Northwestern Memorial, RUSH University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Hospitals.
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If the condition is detected in the early stages, one might be able to use conservative treatment to recovery. If the median nerve is not fully damaged yet, the injured individual will seek relief from resting the arms/wrists and icing the affected area once or twice every hour to help with swelling. This means the individual will have to stop any and all repetitive movements that they are used to doing day in and out. Wearing a wrist splint also helps keep the wrist straight and will relieve some pressure.
In extreme cases, surgery is an option if the conservative remedies don’t alleviate pain. A tendon is cut to give the median nerve more room in the carpal tunnel which will help with swelling and inflammation. However, this surgery isn’t always a long-term fix.