Not all workplace injuries that are suffered by employees in Pittsburgh are dramatic in nature. While people who work in a factory or in some kind of construction job might be more likely to sustain a fall or be injured in an explosion, folks who have desk jobs can be also injured at work. It's just that, more often, their injuries are not necessarily obvious to the untrained eye.
Many office workers spend large portions of their days typing on computer keyboards. These folks may be prone to repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition aggravated by repeated wrist activity -- such as typing.
In some people, this repeated motion can lead to swelling of tissue in the wrists. This can then put pressure on the median nerve, which can lead to numbness, tingling or even pain in the wrists of someone suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Oftentimes, these symptoms can extend to the thumbs as well as the second and third fingers.
Anyone who has had carpal tunnel syndrome can tell you how painful and inconvenient it can be. Typing, which seems pretty innocuous in and of itself, can become virtually impossible. Treatment can range from wearing a splint and occupational therapy to injections of anti-inflammatory medicine and even surgery.
Someone suffering from an occupational injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome might be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. An attorney who is experienced in cases involving work-related injuries might be a good resource for someone in this situation.
Source: Plainview Herald, "Non-surgical remedies can relieve carpal tunnel syndrome," Anthony Komaroff, Feb. 25, 2014
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