Smartphones are amazing inventions. A powerful computer that fits in the palm of your hand? Yes, please! With fast and easy access to the Internet, movies and music, games, productivity apps, and more, there’s practically nothing you can’t do with your smartphone! Unfortunately, people tend to spend a lot of time on their phones because of this. And, as screens get larger and larger, the thumb–the most common digit used on touchscreens–can start to hurt. This is commonly referred to as “smartphone tendonitis,” and is becoming a common problem not just in the United States, but throughout the world.
How is Smartphone Tendonitis Caused?
For starters, some medical professionals dismiss the idea of smartphone tendonitis, or “texting thumb,” as Business Insider referred to it. So is it really a thing? Yes. Sort of.
According to the Business Insider article, Dr. Yang (a specialist in hand and wrist surgery at the NYU Langone Medical Center) said that there is no diagnosed condition of texting thumb, but that it is rather soreness associated with too much use. The concept of “texting thumb,” Dr. Yang said, is categorized as a repetitive stress injury, or RSI. Nothing is broken in the hand or fingers, and inflammation is minimal. Basically, your thumb is tired from doing continuous motions that your phone is not ergonomically designed for. So yes, there is some merit to the causation, but it may not be as serious as you think.
How to Treat the Issue
Simply put, switch hands. Or put your phone down all together. While you may not actually be getting tendonitis in your finger or hand, it can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, the solution is simple: stop using your thumb to do things if it’s sore. Just like any sore muscle, a little rest can do wonders.
While you may not need to come in for “smartphone tendonitis,” you may be experiencing pain due to other issues. At Hampton Roads Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we can help. Visit us online to schedule an appointment so we can start getting you relief.
