Many teens and adults like to text and go on the computer. Though texting and social networking are fun, they have consequences when done too often. One consequence can be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Women are three times more likely than men to develop this syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a syndrome dealing with the hands and wrists, a condition where the fingers and wrist become numb or cramp or weakness develops.

The carpal tunnel is the part of the arm that runs down into the hand and houses the median nerve. When this part of the body has been compressed or squeezed, it can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This syndrome is more likely to develop in women than men. In women, since the carpal tunnel is smaller, when it is compressed, it is easily harmed.

Repeated motions from texting or using the computer or even playing the piano with bad posture can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

“I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel since last October but had it for a while before I was diagnosed. I went to my pediatrician who sent me to a bone specialist who looked at my hand. Carpal tunnel is sometimes sore to have because I do many different activities like playing my alto saxophone, riflery and different martial arts, but when I wrap my hand, it actually sometimes feels better. At first, it changed me and how fast I would do things, but when I was told I have carpal tunnel, I guess I realized that I can’t push my hands as hard as I used to so I began doing things at a much slower pace,” said sophomore Natalie Hajinelian.

Another cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be writer’s cramp, a condition in which the hand cramps due to the repeated motions of writing.

“I text friends around five hours per day. I use my computer for free time for at least 1 ½ hours per day. I know about carpal tunnel, but I am not worried at all. No one in my family has carpal tunnel, making me less afraid of developing it,” said sophomore Kiara Moad.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can also be caused by vibrating tools and traumas or fractures.

To avoid developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, one should work in the proper position and placement, whether typing or playing the piano. Another aid is to wear fingerless gloves to keep the hands warm and flexible. It is also good to take frequent breaks and do arm exercises that stretch the muscles from the shoulder to the hand.

Academy alumna, Faye Castillo Pabo, said, “I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in 2001. I have it in both wrists, but my right wrist is even worse. I can usually tolerate the pain in my wrists. I normally wear my braces for my wrist when I go to sleep, but if it bothers me when I wake up, I have to wear the braces all day. I sometimes have difficulty using my hands when my carpal tunnel starts acting up. I worry about overworking my hands every day. I am a musician, so it makes it a little harder too.”