Can texting cause trigger finger?

Heavy users of smartphones may find their thumbs aching, and the term “texting thumb” is being used more frequently in medical circles. Texting thumb is actually trigger thumb, or trigger finger, which is a condition affecting the tendons.

Can a cell phone cause trigger finger?

Holding your smartphone the wrong way can lead to a common injury often referred to as “texting thumb” or “trigger thumb”, a repetitive stress injury, which is formally known as stenosing tenosynovitis. More serious problems such as tendinitis and sore muscles around your arm are also common with smartphone use.

Is texting bad for your fingers?

When you text, your thumbs move quickly and often. The repeated, unnatural motion can lead to tendonitis and inflammation of the thumb flexor and tendons. Overuse can cause inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Does texting cause trigger thumb?

Now there's a name for the pain and strain in the thumb: texting thumb. Also called gamer's thumb or trigger thumb, texting thumb has become a common term to describe pain caused when the tendons that power the motion of the thumb become inflamed from overuse.

What is text claw syndrome?

What Is Text Claw? Text claw may not be an official medical diagnosis, but several individuals have felt the pangs of typing, texting, or browsing the web. Text claw explains the pain you get throughout your hands and wrist after continuously performing fine motor activities.

Trigger finger condition caused by texting

Can texting cause tendonitis?

Smartphone, tablets and other handheld devices are so versatile it can be hard to put them down. But spend too much time scrolling, tapping and typing, and you could be setting yourself up for tendonitis, a painful condition caused by overusing the hands, fingers and wrists.

Is trigger thumb permanent?

In most cases, trigger finger is a nuisance rather than a serious condition. However, if it is not treated, the affected finger or thumb may become permanently stuck in a bent position.

What happens to your thumb when you text too much?

“Texting thumb occurs when repetitive hand movements cause inflammation in the tendons of the thumb,” says Dr. Korsh Jafarnia, orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist. “These inflamed tendons then rub against the narrow tunnel in which they sit, causing thumb pain.”

What are the most common causes of trigger thumb?

Trigger thumb is most commonly due to thickening of the A1 pulley which causes pain and decreased function.

Does typing make trigger finger worse?

Can typing cause a trigger finger? Close to 89% of Americans use computers at home, and many use computers for work purposes. This has opened up more instances of trigger finger. Writers, marketers, and those in other typing-intensive jobs are at risk for trigger fingers.

Can cell phones cause nerve damage fingers?

According to Dr. Evans, there's a slight risk that supporting your phone with your pinky could compress a nerve in your finger. Over time, you could experience pain, numbness or tingling. “But tingling or numbness in your pinky could also signal a more serious condition called cubital tunnel syndrome.

Why do my fingers hurt after typing all day?

The repetitive motion in the fingers and bending of the hand and wrist (such as jobs that require a lot of typing) can cause the tendons in your hand to swell, putting pressure on your median nerve. This overuse can affect the fingers, wrist, hand and forearm, causing symptoms including tingling, numbness and pain.

Why do I suddenly have trigger finger?

Trigger fingers are more common with certain medical conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes are risk factors for this condition. Repeated and strong gripping may lead to the condition. In most cases, the cause of the trigger finger is not known.

What is the number one cause of trigger finger?

The main cause of trigger finger is swelling and inflammation around the tendon. Without treatment, the finger may become locked in the bent position. People who have hobbies or jobs that require repetitive gripping or squeezing are more likely to develop trigger finger, as are people with diabetes.

What causes trigger finger all of a sudden?

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that controls that finger can't glide smoothly in the sheath that surrounds it. This may occur if part of the tendon sheath becomes swollen or if a small lump forms. This lump is called a nodule. Tendons are tough cords that attach muscle to bone.

How do you rehab a texting thumb?

How do you fix a texter's thumb?

What is tech thumb?

The term used to describe the pain, soreness and discomfort that occurs after heavy electronics use is “tech thumb” or “texting thumb.” While this is not an official diagnosis it is often used to describe the phenomenon of pain associated with electronic device over usage, most often smartphones, gaming consoles, and ...

What makes trigger finger worse?

Trigger finger gets worse with overuse. So persons should recognize any triggers and avoid activities causing the pain. Over-the-counter medicines like NSAIDs can help at this point. Proper pain management can restore range of motion in many cases.

What is the fastest way to heal trigger finger?

Can I reverse trigger finger?

Trigger finger treatment can range from rest to surgery, depending on the severity of your condition. Resting your hands if possible, wearing a splint at night, stretching exercises and a steroid injection all can alleviate trigger finger without surgery.

How long does it take for a texting thumb to heal?

Recovery is usually 2-4 weeks. In the end, the best way to alleviate pain and stop it from coming back is to change your smartphone and tablet habits.

What problems can texting cause?

15 percent of injury crashes were the result of distracted driving. There is a 400 percent increase of time spent with eyes off the road while texting. The risk of a crash or near-crash increases by 95 percent when reaching for or dialing a phone. AAA found that 12% of crashes involved engaging with cell phones.

Can scrolling on phone cause thumb pain?

There is even a new term in the medical field, “texting thumb,” also known as gamer's thumb. Houston Methodist Health (2019) describes texting thumb as occurring from repetitive use, where the inflamed tendons rub against a narrow tunnel, causing pain.