Those of you who endure jobs with repetitive hand movements may be worried about contracting carpal tunnel. This syndrome marks the occurrence of the tunneling bones and ligaments of the wrist getting narrower and narrower. Ultimately, this pinches down on some nerves, causing a lot of pain in the fingers. Some of the causes of carpal tunnel are quite clear, while others remain a mystery. This makes people wonder, who can get carpal tunnel? Can children get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at a young age?
Can Children Get Carpal Tunnel?
Most young children cannot contract this condition as it is something that develops over a long period. However, our pain management experts have helped clients of all ages deal with issues of pinched nerves and stretched ligaments. Read on to find out what children can do about carpal tunnel at CRPM pain clinic in Orange County.
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The first way to determine whether or not your child is capable of developing a carpal tunnel is to compare symptoms to the most common causes. Again, these symptoms occur when something stretches and squishes the ligaments surrounding the fingers, pressing down on nerves and causing pain. This can happen from causes and risk factors such as:
- Repetitive movements of the hand (typing, sewing, lifting, pulling)
- Nerve-damaging conditions
- Medical conditions that affect the thyroid and the blood
- Prolonged flexing of the wrist or waving of hands
- Inflammatory conditions
- Changes in body fluid
- Rapid changes in weight
Whether due to a repeated motion or a chronic illness, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can come on quickly. However, they take some time to develop. This is why it is so rare for this condition to show up in children; they would not have had the time or the capacity to engage in repetitive movements enough for the condition to start spreading massively.
When Can Carpal Tunnel Occur in Children?
Carpal tunnel is incredibly rare in children. But if a child under the age of 18 happens to become diagnosed with the condition, it is likely because of a preexisting condition like mucopolysaccharidosis or mucolipidosis. These conditions inhibit the body’s ability to break down certain fluids and substances, causing a buildup of pressure that wears down on the nerves quite fast. Treatments are usually available for these conditions.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although it is unlikely that your child will develop the condition anytime soon, it is a good idea to work on prevention habits that can keep carpal tunnel away for a long time. It isn’t easy to just quit working, but there are some adjustments you can make each day to make the continuous labor more comfortable for your hands.
1. Keep forearms and wrists straight. Try not to bend your wrists as much as you can.
2. Don’t press into the wrist pad when you type; instead, use it as a gentle buffer.
3. Make sure your elbows are always at your sides.
4. Place important items within your reach so you don’t have to stretch or reach far for them.
Practice these habits at work, and teach your kids to do the same when at school – or even at home on the computer!
Take Care of Your Hands Today
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a deeply uncomfortable and downright painful condition that can keep you from using your hands for the things you enjoy doing. If you are ready to get rid of the pain and make things easier on your joints, reach out to CRPM for the best carpal tunnel treatment in Orange County today. We look forward to helping you ease your pain!
