Thumb pain is on the rise. As we spend more time on our mobile phones and other tablet devices, we increase the chance of injury to our thumbs, by repetitively using them to type and scroll. “Text thumb” is a modern day problem but the cause behind it is simply over-use resulting in repetitive strain injury (RSI).

With text thumb, the fine repetitive movements needed to type and scroll on a mobile cause tiny tears in the muscles and tendons.  This comes about when these movements are repeated regularly and often. Little by little, day by day, a cumulative effect occurs as the tiny tears build up. As a result the body’s natural inflammation process kicks in and thumb pain occurs.  In my own experience, some patients complain of pain at the base of their thumb and others find the distal (final) thumb joint is more painful. The inflammation of the muscles and tendons can also press on the surrounding nerves due to the swelling. Collectively you may experience all or just one or two of these problems: thumb pain, stiffness and sometimes twitching, numbness and hypersensitivity to touch.

The damage in text thumb is usually not permanent. With time inflammation will usually subside, symptoms like thumb pain resolve and eventually normal flexibility will return. Physical therapy such as is offered at Natural Back Health can help to speed up the recovery of the injury. Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and condition the thumb are given to prevent re-occurence. Try to reduce the amount you use the thumb to text. Also, changing your texting fingers and/or changing hands, help reduce the strain and also give the injured thumb a chance to rest.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the clinic here or call/text on 087 1815007.