Understanding Texting Thumb: A Common Smartphone Injury
What is Texting Thumb?
Texting Thumb, also called Text Thumb or Smartphone Thumb, is a painful condition caused by excessive texting or smartphone use. It affects your tendons at the base of the thumb, leading to pain, stiffness, and discomfort around your thumb.
When was the term 'Texting Thumb' coined?
The term "Texting Thumb" became popular in the early 2000s with the rise of mobile texting and smartphones. It evolved from an earlier term, "BlackBerry Thumb," which described similar issues caused by frequent BlackBerry use.
How common is Texting Thumb in India?
There are no exact statistics, but with the increasing use of smartphones, many people in India experience thumb pain due to excessive texting. Studies suggest that repetitive strain injuries from phone use are on the rise, especially among young adults and office workers.
What causes Texting Thumb?
- Excessive texting and smartphone use
- Repetitive thumb movements like scrolling your screen
- Holding the phone for long periods
- Lack of rest for the thumb muscles and tendons
- Poor hand posture while using the phone
What are the different types of pain around the thumb?
- Pain at the base of the thumb – De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (can be caused due to excessive mobile use)
- Pain on the inside of the thumb – Often linked to arthritis
- Pain on the tip of the thumb – Usually due to repetitive tapping
What are the symptoms of Texting Thumb?
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling around the thumb and wrist
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the thumb
- Clicking or snapping sensation when moving the thumb
What are the signs doctors look for?
- Swelling at the thumb base
- Tenderness when pressing the affected area
- Pain when moving the thumb
- Weak grip strength
- Positive Finkelstein’s test (a special test for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis)
What are the treatment options?
- Home Remedies:
- Resting the thumb
- Applying ice packs or Hot compression (Depends on Durations)
- Using a thumb splint
- Medications:
- Painkillers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling and pain
- Physiotherapy:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Ultrasound therapy for pain relief
- Thumb taping or splinting
- Special Belts Like Thumb Spica (https://amzn.to/41L8uzM)
How can I prevent Texting Thumb?
- Reduce smartphone usage time
- Use voice typing instead of texting
- Hold the phone with both hands
- Take breaks between texting sessions
- Do hand and thumb exercises regularly
When should I see a doctor?
If pain persists for more than a few weeks, worsens, or affects daily activities, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.By understanding and managing Texting Thumb, you can keep your hands healthy while staying connected!