Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If your carpal tunnel syndrome was negligently treated by medical practitioners, causing your symptoms to worsen, you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
For more information on making a claim for medical negligence, please contact our team at Glynns Solicitors. We will be more than happy to offer expert legal advice.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve in the forearm is compressed, causing pain and dysfunction.
The median nerve extends all the way along the forearm and into the hand. It can be found inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway made up of tiny bones and connective tissue. The median nerve and tendons inside the carpal tunnel work to enable movement and sensation in the fingers.
Therefore the median nerve has two main functions:
- 1. To enable movement in the anterior forearm, part of the hand/thumb and the index/middle/ring fingers
- 2. To enable sensation in the thumb and index/middle/ring fingers
If the median nerve is compressed for any reason, the signals being sent to and from the brain will be disrupted and the nerve will not be able to function properly. Consequently movement and sensation in the arm, hand, thumb and fingers will be affected.
When symptoms arise because the median nerve is being compressed, the patient is said to have carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome vary from person to person. Generally, however, there will be:
- Tingling, pain and numbness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger
- There can also be:
- Tingling, pain and numbness in the wrist and forearm
- Pain and an aching sensation in the forearm and hand
- Reduced sensation in the forearm, hand, thumb and fingers
- Swelling
- Dry skin
- Pins and needles in the hand
- Changes to skin colour, usually on the hand
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can be worse at certain times of day, normally in the mornings and the evenings. The symptoms can also be exacerbated by using the hand.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve. But why would this nerve become compressed?
It is not always clear what causes the compression associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Some potential causes are described below:
- Repetitive activities – repetitive activities such as playing a musical instrument, manual labour, working on a production line, and activities which require a strenuous grip (such as rock climbing) can all trigger carpal tunnel syndrome
- Injuries – injuries that crush the median nerve, or cause swelling inside the carpal tunnel, can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This can include fractures, crushing injuries and sprains
- Pregnancy – it is not understood why but carpal tunnel syndrome can arise during pregnancy and the months afterwards
- Other health conditions – certain health conditions can result in carpal tunnel syndrome, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
A family history of carpal tunnel syndrome is also an important factor. Carpal tunnel syndrome is known to run in families, so if you have a close relative with carpal tunnel syndrome, you are at an increased risk of getting the condition.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
A diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is often suspected through the patient's symptoms alone. A physical examination can reveal whether there are signs of nerve compression.
For instance, the Tinel's sign test involves tap on the inside of the wrist. If there is tingling or numbness, it is an indication of carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, the Phalen's sign test involves extending the arms outwards and flexing the wrists down to the ground. If there is numbness or pain after one minute, it suggests a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Further testing can be useful to confirm a diagnosis, and to check whether there is another health condition that is causing the carpal tunnel syndrome. Potential investigations include blood tests, nerve conduction studies, x-rays and an ultrasound.
How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can get better of its own accord. This can take several months, and the affected hand will need to be rested – meaning any activities that aggravate symptoms should be stopped. If this is not effective, the arm can be immobilised with a wrist sprint. Corticosteroid injections can also help to reduce inflammation.
Do I need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
If symptoms persist, a patient may be recommended for surgery. Carpal tunnel decompression surgery involves cutting a ligament, relieving the pressure that is being placed upon the median nerve. Surgery is associated with certain risks, so normally it is only carried out if all other treatment methods have failed.
What if my carpal tunnel syndrome has been made worse by doctors?
Unfortunately there are occasions when a patient's carpal tunnel syndrome is actually made worse by medical treatment.
One example of this is when a steroid injection is injected straight into the nerve. Another example is when the nerve is not adequately released during surgery, meaning another operation is required. Both of these things can cause further pain and suffering to the patient.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome was negligently managed by medical practitioners, there may have been a breach of duty. This means that the care provided was not of an acceptable standard. Injecting steroids straight into the nerves is a breach of duty, as it the inadequate release of the nerve during surgery. If this causes the patient unnecessary suffering, there could be a case of medical negligence.
Can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome?
To find out if you can claim compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, you need to speak to a medical negligence solicitor. At Glynns Solicitors we specialise in medical compensation claims and can tell you whether or not you are eligible to pursue legal action.
We advise that you contact a solicitor as soon as you suspect that you have been the victim of medical negligence. This is because claims must be made within three years, so it is best not delay.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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