TEXTING THUMB

It is a medical condition that is on the rise throughout globe. Cellular phones are not the only devices that are to blame. Texting thumb as it is commonly known is a type of injury that is also seen with prolonged use of computers, video game controllers and handheld gaming consoles. It is one type of computer-related injury of the hand and can affect any finger or even involve the wrist. However, most of us know it as the thumb pain and often stiffness that arises with hours of texting on a mobile phone or with playing a video game. What needs to be stressed is that it is not so much the device that is at fault as it is the behavior of the user.

RSI of the Thumb

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI;s)are a broad group of disorders that arise with overuse of some part of the body, mainly with the upper part of the body. It did not arise with the computer age but these days repetitive strain injury (RSI) of the thumb is often seen with overuse of electronic devices. A repetitive strain injury is a result of inflammation and even damage of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and/or nerves of the part of the body that is repeatedly used over hours, days and weeks. An RSI can also occur over a short period of time with a forceful or awkward movement.

With texting thumb, the fine repetitive movements causes tiny tears in the muscles and tendons. As a result the muscles contract and this decreases the range of motion. Furthermore the tendons run out of lubrication as there is insufficient time to rest and recover. The inflammation of the muscles and tendons can also press on the surrounding nerves due to the swelling. Collectively a person experiences pain, stiffness and sometimes twitching, numbness and hypersensitivity to touch.

Repetitive stress injury of the thumb is also known as De Quervain syndrome or De Quervains tenosynovitis. The treatment requires the use of medication like NSAIDs as well as physical and occupational therapy. Surgery is rarely done but may be an option when other measures fail and the symptoms are severe. The damage in texting thumb is usually not permanent. With time inflammation will usually subside, symptoms like pain resolve and eventually normal flexibility will return. Here are some tips for remedying texting thumb.

Stop The Texting

It is obvious that you should stop the action that is causing the strain. Texting has become part of the living in a digital connected world. However, there is a limit to just how much you should be texting. Much also depends on the type of device you use. Texting constantly for hours over several days and weeks will take its toll even on the most able bodied person with the most ergonomically designed device. It is not just about resting a few hours and starting again. Try to break the habit of long hours of texting.

Ice The Thumb

Icing the thumb can also be helpful. It is one step in the R.I.C.E. approach to soft tissue injuries (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). Do not apply ice directly on the skin. Rather use a commercial or homemade ice pack. Icing should be done for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Heat can make an injury worse if it is applied immediately after an injury. So if you have had a long day texting and start feeling the pain and stiffness, opt for ice rather than heat.

Immobilize The Thumb

The thumb is one of the most commonly used fingers and you will inadvertently have to use it several times a day in the course of normal life. Apart from resting the thumb by not texting, it may be necessary to immobilize it. It will avoid further use and worsening of the injury. Many different types of wrist and hand braces are specially designed to immobilize the thumb as well. In severe cases an orthopedic splint like a spica splint may be necessary. Just a few days of using a brace or splint can be sufficient to assist with a recovery.

Change The Texting Finger

If you are experiencing problems with your thumb and texting is unavoidable then try to switch to another finger. Most of us are not as quick at texting with any finger other than the thumb. And most devices have keyboards or keypads that have been designed for ease of use with the thumb. Even if it is just one or two days, texting with an alternate finger can give your thumb the rest it needs to heal. It may feel awkward and can in fact strain the other fingers that are not accustomed to these repetitive actions. But it should not a major problem for a few days at most.

Do Regular Finger Exercises

As with any part of the body, ensuring that your fingers and thumbs are conditioned for its activity helps in preventing injuries. Most of us do not do stretching exercises for our hands yet it is the most used appendage. Here is a helpful guide on thumb exercises from the Northwestern Memorial Hospital. While stretching exercises may help to minimize some of the the injury, it cannot replace changes in behavior like reducing texting. An occupational therapist and physical therapist can both assist in showing you better ways to perform the same activity without causing strain.

Text and Type Slowly

If all else fails and you have to text, try to control the speed at which you do it. Injuries are worsened by repetitive actions that are done very fast. Getting a message across may sometimes be a matter of urgency but at other times fast texting is more a matter of habit than need. Pace yourself. Try to use other fingers that will relieve the strain on the thumb and also teach you to slow down a bit. You may find that slower texting will also quieten down the conversation among participants meaning that you have to type less.

PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT OF TEXTING THUMB

Tap your thumb to the tip of each of your fingers on the same hand, repeating five taps on each finger

Pull your thumb gently downward (so your thumb and forefinger look like an L) with your opposite hand, holding the stretch for 10 seconds

Hold your hand out, palm facing down. Spread your fingers as far as you can, holding the stretch for 10 seconds

Massage the thumb web on your hand

Wrap a rubber band around the tips of your fingers and thumb, then open and close your hand 20 times

Wrap a rubber band around your thumbs (face your palms down) and stretch it 20 times

*Consult a phyiotherapist for further treatments.