• News & Events
  • Appointment Request
  • Partnerships
  • Ortholazer
910.484.2171
HealthFlex
×
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Practice
    • Our Providers
    • Locations
    • Leave a Review
  • Services
    • Joint Injections
      • Viscosupplementation Treatment
    • Nerve Conduction Study
    • Physical Therapy
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Sports Rehabilitation
    • Radiology
      • Arthogram
      • C-Arm
      • U-Arm
      • Ultrasound
      • X-Ray
  • Specialties
    • Foot & Ankle
    • Hand & Wrist
    • Hip & Knee
    • Joint Replacement
    • Shoulder & Elbow
    • Sports Medicine
    • Orthopedic Trauma
  • Patient Resources
    • Billing & Insurance
    • Medical Records
    • Forms
    • Patient Education
    • Prescriptions & Refills
    • What to Expect
    • Physician Referral Forms
  • Patient Portal
  • Locations

SMARTPHONES AND HAND PAIN

SMARTPHONES AND HAND PAIN
April 21, 2021adminFayetteville NCOrthopedic

With smartphone technology constantly evolving and improving, many of us are on our phones all throughout the day. It’s often the first item we grab in the morning and the last thing we put down at night. According to ZDNet, the average person in the US spends 5.4 hours a day on a mobile device, but for many people, this number is much, much higher. This increases cases of hand injuries such as “texting thumb” and carpal tunnel syndrome. Smartphone overuse causes pain in the wrist because tendons that connect to the thumb can become inflamed.

WHAT IS RSI?

Repetitive strain injury, or RSI, is a term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repetitive movement, overuse, or long periods of time in a fixed position. This strain causes microscopic tears that cause muscle injury. While historically it’s been found in laborers, such as miners, that perform the same tasks repeatedly, it’s recently become more common in avid smartphone users. Repetitive movements make it more difficult for muscles to repair, as there is continual use and no rest period. In some cases, when preventative measures are not taken, RSI can become chronic, long-term pain.

COMMON INJURIES

The first common injury tied to smartphone usage is stenosing tenosynovitis, which is more commonly known as “texting thumb” or “trigger thumb”. This is an RSI that causes the tendon in the thumb to become inflamed. While it can be extremely painful, nothing is broken or dislocated. Preventative measures should be taken – in severe cases, the thumb can be locked in a bent position and require surgery to correct it.

The other common injury tied to the overuse of a smartphone is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful hand and wrist disorder, and while there is no single cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, overusing the related muscles from holding a smartphone can be a contributor.

PREVENTION OF INJURY

Maintain proper technique when typing or texting for the prevention of soreness and pain from RSI. When texting, it is important to keep wrists as straight as possible, which will alleviate stress on the muscles. When it comes to your thumbs, use both thumbs for typing or scrolling; alternating to prevent overuse.

You can also take mini-breaks from your device to stretch your fingers and wrists. Flex your wrist muscles and fingers, or even stop to give those muscles a quick massage.

A few other stretches to try:
Extend one arm out in front of you, with your palms facing upwards. Grab your fingertips with your other arm and pull your fingers down towards your body until you feel stretching in your wrist.
Straighten out your fingers, and then pull them in and make a fist. Hold the first for 30-60 seconds before releasing and repeating.
Place your hand, palm down, on a flat surface. Gently lift one finger at a time off the surface. Repeat 8-10 times on each hand.

The ultimate way to both prevent and treat RSI is to take breaks from your device and rest. In this digital and mobile age, it is important to allow your hands and wrists time to relax. Put your phone down, just for a little, and your hands and wrists will thank you later.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If you are still having symptoms when you are not using your phone, it is time to set up an appointment with one of our experts at Cape Fear Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. A hand specialist is able to listen to your symptoms and perform tests to determine if you have a repetitive stress injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or arthritis.

At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we understand that pain in the hand can make simple, everyday activities challenging.

Our Hand & Upper Extremities specialist, Dr. Benjamin Levine, has years of experience and research in treating upper extremity trauma. Dr. Levine completed his training in Orthopedics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, and completed his fellowship at the University of Rochester. He previously served as the hand surgeon for multiple professional teams in Minnesota, including the Vikings, Twins, Wild, and Timberwolves.

Our experts understand that proper diagnosis is paramount in determining the most effective treatment plan for your individual condition. For a consultation with one of our providers, call us at (910) 484-2171.

News Archive

  • November 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • March 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • September 2018
  • July 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • February 2018
  • May 2017
  • CRUCIAL CATEGORIES OF HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY Nov 22

    Hips are the most important joints in the body and...

  • DO YOU KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT LUMBAR SPINE SURGERY? Sep 27

    When someone is experiencing pain or other problems, it is...

  • EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN MUSCLES BEFORE A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT Aug 18

    Total Knee Replacement (TKR), is a surgical procedure that is...

  • MAY IS NATIONAL ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH May 24

    Each year, May is recognized as National Arthritis Awareness Month....

  • GOLF INJURY: GET BACK IN THE GAME Apr 25

    As the weather begins to warm up, golf courses across...

At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialty-trained doctors are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions and injuries. When you are seen by one of our experts, you know that you are being treated by an experienced doctor who is focused and dedicated to providing you exceptional orthopedic care.

SERVICES

  • Joint Injections
  • Nerve Conduction Study
  • Physical Therapy
  • Radiology

Ferncreek Dr. Office

Ramsey St. Office

Aviemore Dr. Office

910.484.2171

info@capefearortho.com

Copyright © 2024 Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine | Privacy Policy
Logo