Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – More Than Just a Typing Injury

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in your wrist known as the carpal tunnel. When this nerve is compressed, it can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand and fingers.

It can develop gradually over time and is often made worse by repetitive wrist movements, poor posture, or awkward working positions.

Real Case: Repetitive Washing at a Low Sink

A recent client developed carpal tunnel syndrome after regularly washing dishes at an awkward angle due to a broken dishwasher at work. The sink was unusually low, and she was forced to bend and twist her wrists repeatedly over long periods.

Despite reporting discomfort, no action was taken by her employer to fix the dishwasher or provide alternative working arrangements. Over time, the strain led to significant wrist pain, numbness, and eventually a confirmed diagnosis of CTS.

This case highlights that carpal tunnel syndrome is not limited to office jobs. It can affect cleaners, factory workers, kitchen staff, and anyone regularly using their hands in awkward or repetitive ways.

Treatment and Recovery

Early treatment might involve wrist supports, rest, or steroid injections. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. We can arrange for this to be done privately to avoid lengthy delays on the NHS.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is a minor procedure done under local anaesthetic. It involves cutting the ligament pressing on the nerve to relieve pressure and improve symptoms. Recovery times vary but many people experience long-term relief.

If you are off work because of your injury and surgery, we can recover your lost earnings and get you a payment in the meantime until the claim is ready to settle.

Have You Been Affected?

If you’ve developed wrist or hand problems due to your work environment, you may have a valid complaint. Employers have a duty to assess and reduce risks from repetitive strain injuries, including ensuring proper equipment and ergonomics are in place.

Speak to Chris Hutchinson - Personal Injury and Medical Negligence specialist today

If you believe your injury was caused by your working conditions, get in touch. Chris Hutchinson at Inson Legal can help assess your case and advise whether you could make a claim. Every enquiry is treated in confidence—and if there’s a case to be made, it will be handled professionally and with care.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often dismissed as something that only affects office workers or people who type all day. But in reality, it’s a painful and often disabling condition that can affect workers in many different settings—especially where repetitive strain and awkward hand positions are involved.