What is texting thumb?
Texting thumb is a tendon issue, within the spectrum of technology-driven hand injuries.
Basically, the tendon within the thumb becomes inflamed because it rubs repeatedly against the tunnel surrounding it.
This inflammation results in thumb pain around the knuckle with possible clicking sensation when bending the thumb.
Using a smartphone requires hand motion that put stress on small muscles, tendons, and joints in our fingers. These repetitions can cause inflammation, pain, and even surgery.
Texting thumb could also be related to smaller phones. The larger smartphones and tablets usually cause pain within the palm and thumb.
Studies compared findings of thumb joints in young adults, with and without thumb pain, associated with text messaging. Tenderness was most common in the joint at the base of the thumb or at the joint closest to the fingertip.
Texting, swiping, and scrolling might become severe to send you to the hand doctor.
If your pain becomes constant and severe, your hand doctor may recommend you stop using your mobile for a period and use a hand brace or thumb brace. In addition anti inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen can provide temporary relief. In more serious cases you might require physiotherapy, injections or surgery.
5 tips for smartphone hand relief whether you’re currently experiencing pain or simply want to understand the way to take better care of your hands:
- Take breaks. Try to reduce the time you spend grasping your phone while you text. If you can’t reduce time , make certain to take frequent breaks. Voice dictation feature can be used when texting or emailing.
- Switch hands. Use your opposite hand to carry your phone, then type or tap together with your index.
- Find your best fit. Phone size matters. If you notice yourself stretching your thumb too far around your phone screen, it’s probably not suitable for your hand size.
- Smartphone ergonomics. You can also check out smartphone ergonomics, for instance, using pop sockets. This smartphone accessory sticks to the rear of your phone and may assist in giving you a far better grip or prop your phone so you'll relax your fingers and palms.
- Stretch it out. There are many simple stretches you can do daily while taking breaks.
