The Sutter Delta Blog http://sutterdeltamedicalcenter.posterous.com on Posterous posterous.com Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:00:00 -0700 Can Too Much Texting Cause Injury? http://sutterdeltamedicalcenter.posterous.com/can-too-much-texting-cause-injury http://sutterdeltamedicalcenter.posterous.com/can-too-much-texting-cause-injury

Teenage girl texting

Every now and then a new technology leads to a new repetitive and physically stressful movement, and that can lead to a new trend in injuries that involve our muscles, tendons and bones.

(Think computers and carpal tunnel syndrome.)

Texting is a popular activity that may contribute to overuse injuries.

The risk of injury when ‘texting’

It’s not so much texting itself but the use of the tiny keyboards on mobile phones that carries the potential risk.

The most common technique of text messaging involves grabbing the phone with both hands and using the thumbs to strike the keys of the keypad. In that position, the thumb is at risk of injury from overuse.

The more frequent the use, the higher the risk of injury.

Research and Studies

As of Jan. 2010, no studies on the frequency of injuries related to text messaging have been published, but the repetitive stresses from text messaging may put the user at risk of certain injuries.

With the popularity of texting-intensive services like Twitter on the rise, overuse injuries may become more common.

Injuries and symptoms

Flexor tendonitis

The Flexor tendons, which bend our fingers, can become inflamed from overuse.

Symptom(s)

  • a deep ache along the palm and surface of the thumb

Overuse of the thumb muscles

Regular overuse of the thumb muscles could lead to painful muscle fatigue.

Symptom(s)

  • a deep ache in the palm at the base of thumb

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Several tendons and a nerve run through a small opening in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. If one or more tendons swell from overuse, the pressure against the nerve can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptom(s)

  • numbness or tingling in the hand
  • pain in the wrist that spreads up or down the arm

Treatment and prevention

Moderate and occasional text messaging are unlikely to cause significant injury, but if pain or discomfort does occur:

  1. Take a break from the cell phone. If the pain persists, talk to your physician.
  2. Save long text messages for typing an e-mail on a standard keyboard, or use the phone to talk instead of text.

Benjamin Busfield M.D. is a board certified Orthopedic Surgeon and sports medicine specialist.

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/_lovenothing/ / CC BY 2.0

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