![]() ![]() Repetitive injuries are compounded by actions that are done very quickly. If you can’t get away from texting, try slowing down the speed at which you’re typing. Instead, put your phone on a flat surface and try typing with a finger, or two, or the other hand. The absolute worst position is holding your phone in your hand and typing with the same thumb. This way you can still send your emails and messages without using the thumb to type A feature that allows you to speak into your phone to dictate a message. In the world of continuous communication and connection, not using your smartphone at all might not be an option, but there are things you can do to help treat and prevent future occurrences: But as a repetitive motion injury, it’s essential that you stop the problematic motion: overuse of the thumb to control your smartphone. Activity modification, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, rest and ice can reduce inflammation. Fortunately, this is usually not permanent, and with time and appropriate care, the inflammation will typically subside. This is common in new mothers, frequently picking up and holding their babies, but we are seeing it more and more in people whose hands are glued to their smartphone. With time this can lead to changes in the tendons and the tunnel through which they travel. But, it can also lead to de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, pain and inflammation in the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Thumb dominated smartphone use can lead to inflammation in the thumb joint causing pain and soreness that usually subsides with rest. They can become inflamed and develop tendonitis – which brings with it pain, throbbing and motion loss in the affected area. Too much typing and repetitive motion of the thumb overexert the thumb’s tendons, (tendons are the rope-like structures that the muscle uses to pull the bone). ![]() Overuse of the thumbs can lead to a repetitive strain injury (RSI). This can lead to pain from the tug of war between the tendons flexing and extending the thumb…and to an appointment in the office of a hand specialist like me. Most people hold their cellphone in one hand and use that thumb to control it, but the joints and muscles in the thumb just are not designed for that type of position and usage. Billions of text messages are typed and sent every day and countless hours are spent scrolling through social media apps. Terms like “text thumb” and “smartphone thumb” are being used to describe thumb pain related to constant texting and smartphone use. The time we spend staring down into our phone screens is a hazard for the cervical spine, but texting and typing on the smartphone also brings about an entirely different health concern involving our thumbs. With all the time we spend staring down into our phone screens each day, “tech neck” has become a popularly-named health issue as we crane our necks in unnatural positions to work and play with our phones for hours on end. In this highly digital age, we are continuously connected to social media sites, email, and texting smartphones have become the accessory that rarely leaves our hands. 2Īny skin condition (such as Shingles ,cellulitis)where pain may be present and when it occurs on the fingers can be the cause of fingertip pain.Dr. Physical or occupational therapy by a professional provider could also be helpful in alleviating the pain.Heat or ice applications may help decrease the pain.You may have pain even when you don’t use your hands, or when you use them very little. As arthritis worsens, more cartilage wears away.In its earliest stages, arthritis causes a dull, burning sensation in your fingers especially your fingertips.In the hands, osteoarthritis can affect the joints at the base of the thumb, in the middle of the finger, and near the nail bed. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are typically the types of arthritis that causes pain in the fingertips. Don’t rewarm frostbitten skin with direct heat, such as a stove, heat lamp, fireplace or heating pad.Soak hands or feet in warm water - 99 to 108 F (37 to 42 C) - for 15 to 30 minutes. If you’re outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them into your armpits. Protect your skin from further exposure to cold.The real pain in the fingertips begins as the tissues begin to thaw.Symptoms of true frostbite include cold, white, hard skin with loss of feeling or only a dull ache in the fingertips. ![]()
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