October 13, 2008
- Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot - Idaho
Is "BlackBerry Thumb" Affecting you?
By Jennifer McGraw
Orthopedists and physical therapists say they are seeing a growing number of clients with all the same symptoms: aches and pains in their hands, trouble writing and sharp pain in their thumbs.
On most phones you can text easily by using your fingers. But on popular wireless devices such as the BlackBerry you can type much faster while just using your thumbs. Our thumbs are meant for grasping not for the skill that is involved when typing on a keypad. "BlackBerry thumb" can then be attributed to incessant texting. Here's what to look out for: Wrist or joint pain, muscle spasms, and pain in normal everyday activities such as writing or even as simple as holding your coffee mug may mean you need to stop texting. Ways to avoid it: always support your wrists and keep them upright and not bent. Try to use your fingers and not just your thumbs and take frequent breaks. Last Resort: seek medical help from acupuncture or physical therapy. Wear a splint and ice the area in pain. And if nothing else works, perhaps surgery or medication Orthopedists say that constant pressure placed on awkward and uncomfortable positions of the thumbs can result in serious injury. So if you are an incessant texter and are feeling the pangs of your phone you may have blackberry thumb and it may be time to take a break. |
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