Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Prognosis

Prognosis

Carpal tunnel syndrome can range from a minor inconvenience to a disabling condition, depending on its cause and persistence, and the patient's individual characteristics. Many cases of CTS are mild, and when symptoms don't last long, they often get better on their own. Once a woman with pregnancy-associated CTS gives birth, for instance, the swelling in her wrists and other symptoms almost always subside. Proper treatment of the medical conditions that cause CTS can often help reduce wrist swelling.

In severe untreated cases, however, the muscles at the base of the thumb may whither, and loss of sensation may be permanent. CTS can become so crippling that people can no longer do their jobs or even perform simple tasks at home.

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Impact on Work and Livelihood

According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpal tunnel syndrome was associated with the second longest average time away from work (28 days) among the major disabling diseases and illnesses in all private industries. (Fractures were first, with an average of 30 days away.) In service-providing industries, CTS was responsible for the longest time away from work (average 28 days), followed by fractures (average 27 days).

Eventually, workers with CTS may be forced to give up their livelihood. In one study, nearly half of all patients with CTS changed jobs within 30 months of their diagnosis. Because of the controversy surrounding the issue of carpal tunnel syndrome and workers' compensation, workers may not always receive compensation payments.

Review Date: 02/17/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).