Today, it almost seems like a mobile device is constantly in our hands.
We use our phones to communicate, learn, work, share, play, take pictures, and so much more.
However, phones were not designed with ergonomics in mind, so what we find is that people are now struggling with what has been termed “texting thumb.” A pain, typically felt at the base of the thumb, and often a symptom we have all felt or experienced at some point, due to the design of technology and placement in our hands.
As hand and wrist specialists, we look at some of the main causes and symptoms of texting thumb and how to prevent RSI from occurring.
Texting thumb
We use our thumbs all of the time, especially when using digital media and mobile phones.
However, our thumbs are most certainly not designed for the small repetitive movements that texting and scrolling encourage.
This can lead to texting thumb or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, which is an irritation in the thumb muscles and is most notably caused by spending too much time on our smartphones, with larger phones and tablets causing pain in the wrist and forearm.
Smartphone thumb causes
Texting thumb is where a person feels aches and pain in the thumb, often from overuse of portable devices.
While texting is convenient, it is leading to texting thumb, a repetitive injury that develops from constantly holding, scrolling, or sending texts. Over time, this can lead to thumb tendons becoming inflamed, leading to swelling and stiffness, which can cause RSI in the hand or wrist.
As texting thumb progresses without treatment, it can also lead to trigger finger, which is a sensation of the fingers and thumbs locking up when you need to straighten or bend your digits.
Texting thumb is caused by the fine, repetitive motions we make when using our smart devices, along with the irregular posture we take as the device is often used close to the body, gripping the device, and not providing a lot of room for stretching.
Symptoms of texting thumb
- Pain in the thumb or wrist
- Dull, throbbing ache or a severe stabbing pain
- Nerve irritation from compression of the nerves in the hand and wrist
- Numbness and tingling sensation
- Stiffness in the base of the thumb
- Popping or clicking sensation when you move your thumb
- The thumb can be tender to the touch
- General discomfort
- Reduced grip strength
- Limited movement
Is texting thumb permanent?
In essence, no, texting thumb is not permanent; however, if left untreated, it can lead to:
Flexor tendonitis – irritation in the wrist, which can lead to trigger thumb.
Arthritis, which can exacerbate texting thumb pain.
De Quevain’s tenosynovitis – inflammation of the tendon between the wrist and thumb. Symptoms of this include swelling and pain around the base of the thumb itself.
How to heal texting thumb
Some of the most common smartphone thumb treatments include:
- A brace to support joints and tendons.
- Tailored stretching exercises to keep joints loose, increase thumb mobility, and prevent injury.
- Physical therapy, provided by trained professionals.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
- Using ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
In serious situations, you can opt for corticosteroid injections or even surgery, and again it is advised that you speak with a professional and experienced hand and wrist specialist to receive the best course of treatment for you.
Other ways to prevent smartphone thumb shaking:
- Changing the way you use your phone, for example, can you use both thumbs instead of just the dominant one?
- Break up screen time and reduce the amount of work carried out on the device.
- Could you opt for a larger phone and screen, or maybe use a stylus pen for the touch screen, avoiding the use of your thumb entirely?
- Is dictation an option?
How long for texting thumb to heal?
If pain persists or lasts longer than a few weeks, it is advisable to speak to a specialist.
A hand and wrist specialist will be able to examine your hand and wrist in more detail, carrying out a series of tests to diagnose the wrist/thumb problem and create a unique treatment plan tailored to you.
How to stop RSI
When looking at how to heal smartphone thumb, the team at Ladan Hajipour will carry out a physical examination, utilising a series of tests to provide the best diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan to prevent RSI.
If you’re experiencing pain in your thumb speak to a member of our team today and see how we can help with your RSI injury wrist.
Experts in treating all hand and wrist injuries, book your appointment now at a time that is convenient to you.