New Yorkers, do you feel discomfort in your hands when using your phone? Frequent texting and scrolling may be causing strain on your fingers.
Texting Thumb and Its Effects
The term ‘texting thumb’ encompasses various pains arising from overused tendons and strained joints. Symptoms can include stiffness, throbbing near the knuckle, and a clicking sensation when bending the thumb. Without attention, repetitive motions can lead to severe conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.
For decades, overuse injuries from devices have been noted. Consider the term ‘BlackBerry thumb.’ Today, larger and heavier smartphones are common, and their uses have expanded to include prolonged scrolling, financial transactions, and streaming content.
Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy from the University of Kentucky HealthCare Hand Center states that mobile devices are integral to modern life. She emphasizes the importance of making devices more compatible with our needs.
This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, emphasizing wellness, fitness, diet, and mental health.
Preventing Texter’s Thumb
Avoiding prolonged wrist and elbow positions can prevent soreness, especially around the thumb and wrist. Holding phones vertically for extended periods can also tire other fingers. Many notice relief from device-induced pain during vacations when their device usage decreases. Briefly limiting phone time can help, though balancing it with daily routines might seem challenging.
If reducing usage is difficult, try alternating hand postures, using different fingers, or utilizing hands-free methods. Built-in phone features, like voice-to-text and larger text sizes, can reduce thumb stress. Accessories such as grip attachments also aid in weight distribution and device stability.
Relieve Hand Pain with Simple Exercises
If discomfort persists after screen time, practice routine stretches. Flex your wrist by moving your palm toward and away from you, assisting with the other hand. Dr. O’Shaughnessy suggests flexing each finger and rotating your thumbs in small circles.
For thumb pain, place your hand on a flat surface and stretch the thumb away from your fingers, holding for 30 seconds. If numbness or tingling continues despite reduced screen time or remedies like ibuprofen, consult a doctor for further evaluation. Persistent use can worsen thumb arthritis or lead to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or trigger thumb. Rotating and swiping endlessly can trap you in a cycle. However, even brief posture adjustments can offer relief.
Dr. Eugene Tsai from Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine reminds us, ‘Our hands weren’t designed for constant phone use. We need to be gentle with them.’
The Associated Press Health and Science Department benefits from support by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP maintains responsibility for all content.