Repetitive hand motion on the job can lead to injury

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workers’ Compensation on Monday, April 29, 2013.

If you work with your hands every day, you may experience pain and discomfort. This is very common to people who use the computer at work on a regular basis. Repetitive typing can strain the hands.

Carpal tunnel is the common result of constant hand use in the workplace. Sufferers often experience debilitating tingling or numbness in the hands. Furthermore, those suffering from the condition have trouble grabbing or pinching objects. If this is you, there are a few things that you can do to reduce your symptoms.

First, you should sit upright at a desk with your back positioned against your seat. It helps if you relax your shoulders, too. Such positioning helps support the upper body.

Next, ensure that your hands are positioned in the middle of your body. Also, try to keep your wrists steady while you work. The reduction in compression will reduce pain.

Moreover, it may help to do hand exercises. Daily movements with your thumbs, wrists and fingers will help strengthen your joints and ligaments.

These tips will help protect your hands, which are crucial to your job. However, in time, these repetitive work motions may destroy your hands and ligaments. While you can take measures to protect your arms, damage may nonetheless occur. If you begin experience severe discomfort – so much that you feel pain while you sleep at night – it may be time to see a physician.

Ultimately, if you suffer from a work-related injury, you may be entitled to recovery – without the burden of proving fault. To learn more, speak to a qualified workers’ compensation attorney in your area.

Source: JCOnline.com, “10 ways to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome,” Mary Jane Slaby, April 22, 2013