Thumb Pain From Texting

The advancement in the field of science and technology has led to the development of various gadgets and devices. While use of these devices has undoubtedly made our lives more convenient, the maxim 'excess of anything is bad', holds true here as well. A cell phone is one such device that we simply cannot do without. Though, it's so much easier to stay in touch with people through texting on cell phones, indulging in excessive texting can give rise to thumb pain. When you rapidly move your thumb for composing and sending messages, the repetitive strain to the thumb could give rise to a debilitating pain, swelling and stiffness. If you often experience thumb pain from texting, it's time to slow down. Here's some information on how to tackle the problem of sore thumb from texting.

Thumb Pain from Text Messaging

Blackberry Thumb is the term used to indicate thumb problems from texting. This problem has begun to plague many cell phone users. If you spend a lot of time sending text messages from your cell phone, you are definitely at an increased risk of developing a throbbing pain in the thumb. Though sending a few messages everyday will not cause any serious problems, those who text messages every other second, are likely to suffer from thumb pain. Unlike a keyboard, wherein you are using fingers for typing, we mainly use the thumb while texting messages on the cell phone. It is the repetitive motion of the thumb that causes strain on the structure that forms the thumb joint. If one continues to indulge in excessive text messaging, the overuse of the thumb can cause inflammation of the joint at the base of the thumb. This may give rise to soreness, stiffness, swelling or pain in the thumb. You must, therefore, take precautions before the intensity of pain increases beyond tolerable limits. If preventive measures are not taken soon, one might end up with a severe pain in the wrist and thumb. Besides texting, medical conditions such as thumb arthritis, De Quervain tenosynovitis or carpal tunnel syndrome could also cause pain in thumb. It is essential that one consults a doctor to determine whether the overuse of thumb due to text messaging is the real cause of the pain, or there is another medical condition behind it.

How to Prevent Thumb Pain

Since pain in the thumb stems from repetitive strain on the muscles, tendons or ligaments of the thumb joint, the most effective treatment option would be taking a break from text messaging. You need to rest the thumb you use for texting, so as to let the fatigued tendons or ligaments heal faster. Whenever possible, speak on the phone instead of sending messages. If the nature of your work requires you to text a lot, try to send brief messages. Take breaks while you text messages and alternate between the thumbs while texting. This will surely lower the muscle tension that arises at the web space between the index finger and the thumb. There are several other activities that could exacerbate the pain. These include playing video games or using other miniature hand-held devices. Gamer's thumb, is a catchword used for referring to the thumb pain brought on by the habit of playing video games for long stretches of time. The devices that were created to provide enjoyment can bring on suffering as well. So, refrain from any such activity that might worsen the pain. If the thumb joint pain and swelling is severe, it would be best to consult a doctor soon. Doctors generally recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for reducing the thumb joint pain. If required, doctors might also recommend the use of thumb abduction splints or braces so as to rest the thumb joint. You could also go for physical therapy sessions and learn thumb flexibility exercises for strengthening the thumb joint.

Excessive texting not only strains the nerves, muscles, tendons or the ligaments in your hand, it can also cause strain to your eyes and affect your posture. Since prevention is always better than cure, ease up on texting for a while. Whenever possible, speak on the phone. This will take the pressure off the thumb and prevent thumb pain.