Texter"s Thumb
You see it everywhere you go, people text messaging each other, usually with the thumbs.
Some can type almost as fast via the thumbs as they can with a keyboard.
Some teens actually text up to one hundred times every single day.
That's asking for trouble.
I don't mean some of the obvious troubles, such as getting into accidents or sexting.
I'm talking about carpel tunnel syndrome, due to repetitive movements.
Think about it; if you can get it from using a regular keyboard and/or a mouse, you can certainly get it from excessive text messaging.
There is another possible problem.
Tennis elbow is caused by overusing that joint while playing tennis or other activities that require it to be used.
Bowling, baseball and other sports have similar problems with the overworked joints.
What can you do to prevent it? Being aware of the potential problem is a start.
Take a look at how often you use the tiny keyboard, and whether or not it is a consistent action on an every day basis.
If it is, time to start making a few changes.
1) Use other fingers: Yes, it's simpler to just use the thumbs, but it might be an idea to alternate which fingers you use.
This will help protect your thumb.
2) Give it a rest: You may want to reduce the number and length of these messages.
This allows your thumbs to rest and the threat of inflammation to the nerves in the wrist.
You should also stop texting after twenty minutes and don't start again for the same period of time.
3) Massage: Gently rub the thumbs, the hands and your wrists.
You may also want to rotate the wrists and wiggle your thumb back and forth in order to keep it loose.
4) Exercises: Rotating your hand at the wrist, stretching and other exercises may help prevent texter's thumb.
It may sound silly to exercise in order to text more, but it is a valid suggestion.
5) Pay attention: Are your fingers stiff in the morning? Do you feel a sensation of pins and needles? Is there pain and pressure in your wrists? How about the thumbs; are they stiff and painful? You may already be developing the problem.
There are things you can do at home, though it is a good idea to have the doctor check it out and make sure exactly what the problem is.
RICE is as useful in this situation as it is for any other injury.
Rest (stop texting for a while), ice, compression and elevation could be useful.
Ask the doctor what to use for compression, as some splints are better than others.
Topical pain relievers, including capsaicin and/or an extract of willow bark.
If you are allergic to aspirin, don't use the willow.
Over the counter pain relievers may also be useful.
Some can type almost as fast via the thumbs as they can with a keyboard.
Some teens actually text up to one hundred times every single day.
That's asking for trouble.
I don't mean some of the obvious troubles, such as getting into accidents or sexting.
I'm talking about carpel tunnel syndrome, due to repetitive movements.
Think about it; if you can get it from using a regular keyboard and/or a mouse, you can certainly get it from excessive text messaging.
There is another possible problem.
Tennis elbow is caused by overusing that joint while playing tennis or other activities that require it to be used.
Bowling, baseball and other sports have similar problems with the overworked joints.
What can you do to prevent it? Being aware of the potential problem is a start.
Take a look at how often you use the tiny keyboard, and whether or not it is a consistent action on an every day basis.
If it is, time to start making a few changes.
1) Use other fingers: Yes, it's simpler to just use the thumbs, but it might be an idea to alternate which fingers you use.
This will help protect your thumb.
2) Give it a rest: You may want to reduce the number and length of these messages.
This allows your thumbs to rest and the threat of inflammation to the nerves in the wrist.
You should also stop texting after twenty minutes and don't start again for the same period of time.
3) Massage: Gently rub the thumbs, the hands and your wrists.
You may also want to rotate the wrists and wiggle your thumb back and forth in order to keep it loose.
4) Exercises: Rotating your hand at the wrist, stretching and other exercises may help prevent texter's thumb.
It may sound silly to exercise in order to text more, but it is a valid suggestion.
5) Pay attention: Are your fingers stiff in the morning? Do you feel a sensation of pins and needles? Is there pain and pressure in your wrists? How about the thumbs; are they stiff and painful? You may already be developing the problem.
There are things you can do at home, though it is a good idea to have the doctor check it out and make sure exactly what the problem is.
RICE is as useful in this situation as it is for any other injury.
Rest (stop texting for a while), ice, compression and elevation could be useful.
Ask the doctor what to use for compression, as some splints are better than others.
Topical pain relievers, including capsaicin and/or an extract of willow bark.
If you are allergic to aspirin, don't use the willow.
Over the counter pain relievers may also be useful.
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