'Texting Thumb' A Growing Health Condition
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you're an active cell phone user, you may be developing a growing health condition: texting thumb.
According to Jefferson University Hospital, texting thumb—a form of tendinitis in the thumbs—is one of the most common ailments seen by hand specialists today.
Dr. Eon Shin, a Jefferson orthopedic surgeon, says the increasing use of cell phones and computers have led to the overuse of our hands and wrists, leading to a rise in "techno-injuries," especially among gen-Xers.
Fortunately, texting thumb can be treated fairly simply.
According to Dr. Shin, most people with texting thumb can treat it with simple rest or physical therapy.
Those with more serious conditions can undergo a procedure that requires a ½-inch incision in the bottom of the thumb that allows the inflamed tendon to move more freely.
It may be easy to overlook the symptoms, but those experiencing tingling or numbness in the hands are urged not to ignore it or think of it as a normal bodily occurrence.
As easy as it may be to treat texting thumb, according to Dr. Shin, the best way to avoid it is to lay off the phone from time to time.
