Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Specialist

The wrist has a main nerve called the median nerve that helps your fingers move and feel—especially the thumb, index finger and middle finger. This nerve travels through a tiny space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

When the median nerve gets squeezed or pressed too much, you start to feel symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome: 

• Tingling or numbness in the fingers.
• Pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers.
• Weakness when trying to hold things.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in kids?

The symptoms are very similar to those in adults, but kids might not always know how to explain what they’re feeling. If your child has CTS, they might:

• Complain about their hand or fingers tingling, feeling numb, or hurting.
• Drop objects because their grip feels weak.
• Rub their hands a lot to try to make them feel better.
• Say their wrists or hands hurt. Watch to see if these happens more after playing video games, using a computer, or practicing an instrument.
• Wake up at night because their hand feels “funny” or painful.
   

Kids can get carpal tunnel syndrome even though it’s not very common. It’s usually caused by: 

• Repetitive movements: Regular activities like playing video games, typing, or playing a musical instrument can sometimes put too much pressure on the wrist.
• Injuries: A wrist injury, like a sprain or a fracture, might cause swelling that squeezes the median nerve.
• Medical conditions: Certain health problems, like arthritis, can make it more likely for kids to develop CTS.
• Genetics: Sometimes, kids are just born with a smaller carpal tunnel, making it easier for the nerve to get pinched.
• Space: Rarely, a cyst or another mass can push on the nerve, giving it less room to “breathe.”

What should I do if I think my child has carpal tunnel syndrome?

It’s a good idea to ask your pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist like our hand and nerve experts at Connecticut Children’s. At this appointment, the doctor will: 

1. Ask questions: They might ask when the symptoms started, what activities your child does, and if the pain gets worse at certain times.
2. Do a physical exam: The doctor may press on your child’s wrist or ask them to move their hand in different ways to see what causes pain.
3. Do some diagnostic imaging or tests: In some cases, doctors might use tests like an “EMG” (electromyogram), which checks how well the median nerve is working.
   
    

Encourage and model the following behavior:

• Limit screen time: Too much time on phones, tablets, or computers can strain their hands and wrists. Encourage them to take breaks and do other activities. Here are 7 ways to reduce screentime.
• Take breaks: If your child loves playing video games or typing on a computer, make sure they take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes.  
• Use good posture: Teach your child to sit up straight when they’re at a desk and keep their wrists straight when typing or using a mouse.
• Stretch and strengthen: Wrist and hand stretches can make the muscles stronger and more flexible, which helps protect the median nerve.
• Choose the right protective gear: If your child plays sports that involve a lot of wrist movement, like gymnastics, make sure they wear the right gear to avoid injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in kids is treatable.

If your child does get carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t worry! There are many ways to treat it:

1. Taking a break: Taking some time off from the activity that caused the pain can help the nerve heal.
2. Wrist splints at night: A splint can keep your child’s wrist in the right position to stop the median nerve from getting pinched.  
3. Therapy: A pediatric physical or occupational therapist can show your child exercises and stretches to reduce pain and strengthen their hands and wrists.
4. Surgery: In very rare cases, if nothing else works, a doctor might recommend surgery to make more room for the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. This is usually only for severe cases and works well for most kids. Connecticut Children’s offers the option of Wide Awake (no anesthesia) surgery for kids who qualify. Dr. Chaudhry leads Connecticut Children's hand and nerve program and is an internationally trained expert in this procedure. 

>>Related: Beyond Trigger Thumb: Wide Awake Surgery Gets 2 Thumbs Up
 
Carpal tunnel syndrome is rare in kids, but it’s not impossible. By encouraging healthy habits, taking breaks from repetitive activities, and paying attention to any signs of pain, you can help your child avoid this condition. And if they do develop CTS, there are many ways to treat it and get them back to doing the things they love!