Blackberry Thumbs
Everyday there seems to be a new device on the market that makes communication easier and quicker. Our phones are instruments that we can use to text or type a message and get a response in a matter of seconds. For those of us that need this fast paced interaction, the world is literally at our fingertips. Speaking of fingertips, thumbs, wrists…. to communicate on these devices encourages one to use their thumb or index in tiny little repetitive motions over and over which could lead to a repetitive strain injury (RSI). An RSI can be caused by these repetitive tasks, sustaining an awkward position, or not allowing sufficient rest time after an activity. Specifically, the thumb is not meant to be held in the position that it is in when rolling the small ball on the Blackberry. This posture of the thumb can lead to tendonitis or arthritis. “Blackberry thumb” has been coined to describe the symptoms of pain and inflammation. Will there be an iPhonitis next? The average person does not appreciate the importance of hand function until they are unable to do simple tasks without pain. The message is clear: we must be aware of how we use these small muscles and joints in the hand and have respect for the possibility of injury. To follow are some tips.
- First, be aware of your posture. Avoid rounding your shoulders and looking down at the device for long periods of time. As with any activity, take a break every 20-30 minutes and stretch in the opposite direction from the working posture. See below for simple stretches.
- Change the way you use your device:
-Can you use your index finger for some of the input instead of just the thumb?
-Can you use a stylus?
-Use shortcuts and abbreviations.
- Sync your device with your computer
-Save the heavy texting or typing for emails for computer use.
-Use a mini keyboard that you can plug into your PDA.-
- Change your thinking pattern:
-Do you have to use this device as much as you do?
-Could you use this device only for emergencies, or check it only 2 times a day?
Stretches. These can be done intermittently throughout the day:
(Hold all for 10 seconds)
- Interlace your fingers and turn your palms away from your body as you extend your arms forward.
- Repeat the above, but this time extend your arms overhead.
- Place your hand just above the back of the elbow and gently push your elbow across your chest toward the opposite shoulder. Stretch both the right and left arms.
- Raise one arm overhead. Bend the elbow. Place the opposite hand on the bent elbow and gently push the elbow back further. Stretch both the right and left arms.
- Extend an arm in front of you, making sure the elbow is completely straight. With your palm down, take the opposite hand and bend the hand down toward the floor. Then turn the palm up, and stretch the hand up toward your body.
- Open up hands and spread the fingers as far as possible.
The prevalence of RSI’s is on an increase with the growing base of technology. Realize that our hands are our livelihood and are an extension of who we are. It is worth it to have an awareness of how we do things throughout the day and to save our hands for the fun things that we enjoy doing.
-Kristin Biggins, OTR/L CHT, Ketchum Clinic Manager
Filed under: Arthritis, Common Aches & Pains, Ergonomics, General Health Tips, Occupational Therapy