LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) – Our lives are practically inseparable from smart phones nowadays, but our phones do not seem to have been designed with ergonomics in mind, so you may suffer from what is commonly called “texting thumb.”
Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy, a hand surgeon for UK HealthCare Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, says, “As hand surgeons, we have noticed a higher incidence of thumb aches and pains that coincides with the use of portable smart devices. Texting thumb is believed to be related to the abnormal use of the thumb caused by fine, repetitive motions in an irregular posture while using a device close to the body.”
She explains some of the symptoms and results.
“If you have texting thumb, you may feel pain throughout your thumb and wrist. Symptoms can range from a dull, throbbing ache to a more severe stabbing pain. Nerve irritation from either underlying carpal tunnel or the abnormal posture compressing the nerves to the thumb and hand can lead to numbness and tingling. Flexor tendonitis can develop in the thumb flexor and may eventually result in a trigger thumb.”
O’Shaughnessy notes that pain which persists or that lasts longer than a few weeks warrants medical evaluation to ensure that nothing more serious is going on.
She describes some of the treatment options. “If symptoms persist, a brace can support your joints and tendons when not in use. Stretching exercises can also keep your hand and fingers loose to help prevent injury. Topical and oral anti-inflammatories might be useful. Topical diclofenac gel is now available over the counter and is a safe medication for pain relief without systemic side effects.”
O’Shaughnessy adds there here are several things you can do to reduce your risk for texting thumb:
--Change the way you use your phone. Rings, buttons or collapsible tabs placed on the back of your phone can help incorporate your other digits and palm for more support.
--Try using both thumbs or several digits to type or scroll, rather than only using your dominant thumb. This can help disperse the forces.
--Break up your screen time into smaller chunks.
--Use a larger phone or a pen stylus.
--Use the dictation option on your phone.
