Gadgetitis : New Technology Is Creating A Whole New Line Of Self-Injury

Ever heard of de Quervain's tensynovitis or erythema ab igne ? Probably not , but it's likely you know about blackberry thumb , and toasted skin syndrome , mordern v ersions of those ailments. Technology is creating new ways for us to hurt ourselves , but from a medical standpoint tried-and-true prevention of self care still eases most ills.

Texting thumb (AKA Gameboy thumb)

Pepetitive motion , whether it's tapping messages on your iPhone or swinging at a tennis ball , can overwork joints and muscles , leading to tendomitis and related inflammations .

Karen Brooks , an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist with Willis-Knighton Health System , said the number of patients with tendonitis have increased in the past year but doesn't know if it's related to computers and cell phones .

However , Brooks said many patients seemed glued to their electronies . "Everybody has a phone in their hand. Everyone texting constantly . Even while they're sitting in front of us getting treatment , they're texting ," Brooks said . However people can develop tendonitis from repeated  grasping , lifting and holding motion  , including carrrying heavy bags of groceries  or  doing yard work.

Technology -related health issues can be advoided:

1) Take breaks so your joints and muscles can rest .

2) Switch hands frequently and vary the use of fingers and thumbs.

3) Stop an activity if you feel pain.

4) Apply something cold to the painful joint to help decrease inflammation . A cold drink will substitute for ice if you aren't close to the freezer.

5) Use a neutral grip where the wrist is straight and not bent in either direction .

6) If possible , use your  lapton on top of a pillow in your lap or sit at a desk  or table . Resting your arms on a pillow or tabletops  supports them , while raising the height of your screen helps you avoid neck pain.

7)Look away from your computer screen and focus on a distant object to reduce eye fatique .

8) Limit the amount of time your laptop sits on your legs or put something between the computer  and your legs to avoid toasted skin.

9) Check your c ellphone  user manual for radiation exposure information . Hold your phone away from your head when listening and talking or use a hands-free headset to limit radiation.

Sources: American Society of Hand Therapists