Can Teens Get Carpal Tunnel?
Your teenager complaining that her wrist and fingers are sore and tingling may be an indication that she has carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS is a repetitive stress injury caused by excessive stress on certain parts of the body, explains TeensHealth. Anything from playing musical instruments to video games can cause pain and inflammation of the area over time. A 2010 study by the Nielsen Company reported that the average teen sends 3,339 texts per month. Add to that computer work and gaming, and you have an increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Anatomy of Carpal Tunnel
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The area of the hand that causes your teen so much discomfort in carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is where the wrist meets the palm of the hand. Inside, there is a narrow tunnel through the wrist bones that the median nerve and nine tendons must pass to connect the hand to the forearm and pass messages from the brain to the hand, thumb and first four fingers, KidsHealth explains. When the median nerve is compressed, the effect can be tingling, numbness and pain.
Causes
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Numerous reasons exist why teens get CTS. Any activity that puts strain on any of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel can cause them to swell. When this happens, the median nerve experiences pressure. Activities that may lead to CTS include gymnastics, tennis, racquetball, squash, dislocated or broken bones, and excessive texting and typing. Although more prevalent in adults, more and more teens are getting CTS due to increased use of computers and even sports that require repetitive motions, says TeensHealth. In teenagers, overuse injuries most often occur at growth plates, such as the elbows, shoulders, knees and heels.
Symptoms
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You may hear your teenager complain about the feeling of pins and needles in his hands and fingers. This can occur during sleep or during the day. If not addressed by a physician, the numbness and pain can worsen over time. At times, your child may wake up feeling like his hand is on fire. Symptoms tend to be worse upon waking, according to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Treatment Options
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Treating CTS is straightforward and normally painless. Usually, wearing a brace or splint at night can relieve symptoms. Sometimes your physician may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the swelling. If none of these remedies help, your teen may need an injection of cortisone in the wrist to reduce inflammation. Your doctor will advise on whether this is a feasible option, given your child's age and symptoms. As a last resort, the doctor may recommend surgery to make the tunnel wider so there is more room and less chance of pressure on the nerve.
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According to the website TeensHealth, being involved in sports has many benefits including reduced stress, and improved fitness and self-confidence. Whether your teen is looking for an opportunity to play basketball competitively or simply brush up o