Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand-arm vibration syndrome is permanent, disabling and entirely preventable. It results from regular use of vibrating hand-held or hand-guided tools, and it has three components that can occur together or separately.

The three components

• Vascular — vibration white finger. Episodes of blanching in the fingers, triggered by cold, followed by painful red flushing as circulation returns. Initially the fingertips; progressively more of the finger; eventually year-round.
• Neurological — tingling, numbness and loss of sensation and grip strength. Fine manipulation becomes impossible; people report dropping small objects and being unable to fasten buttons.
• Musculoskeletal — pain and weakness in hands and arms, reduced grip.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Vibration exposure also causes carpal tunnel syndrome — compression of the median nerve producing pain, numbness and night-time waking.

What makes it worse

Cold and wet conditions, gripping the tool tightly, blunt or badly maintained tools that require more force, and smoking. Once symptoms are established, damage is generally irreversible, and continued exposure accelerates progression.