With the dominance of technology like mobile and computers, wrist injury due to typing and texting is becoming increasingly common. In the beginning, it is a numbing or tingling sensation in hand, which can become so painful for some people that they require surgery later. This pain can be named differently, like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or repetitive strain injury (RSI).
How Typing or Texting Causes This Type of Pain?
You put repetitive stress on your wrist and hand while typing, scrolling, texting, or swiping as we do in sports like golf and baseball. The wrist specialist at Dallas, Texas, said, “Although the pressure is gentle in nature, the mechanical motion’s consistency leads to inflammation in the joints and tendons. Over time, this joint pain converts into swelling and reduces mobility.”
What Are the Most Common Injuries Due to Texting and Typing?
Trigger Finger:
The thumb and the ring finger are commonly affected in this type of injury. A series of tissues named ‘pulleys’ hold the tendons of the fingers jointly with the bones. When the fingers are bent, the tendon passes through these pulleys. If the pulley gets inflamed, it becomes difficult for the tendon to pass through. The restriction causes inflammation in the tendon and creates a small lump, which can catch on the pulley causing popping, jerking motion, and pain associated with the trigger finger.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
This injury may show symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling sensation in the thumb and the pinky finger. When a person tries to bend the elbow in an acute angle and compresses the nerves, it may occur. If the patient visits a hand surgeon in Dallas, TX, they may need to conduct electrical tests to diagnose CTS. If the patient is impaired with CTS, the nerves will fail to transmit the electrical signals. Sometimes the treatment option may be as simple as resting, and for the others, it may end up in surgeries.
How to Prevent Hand and Wrist Injuries Due to Typing and Texting?
Working on a computer doesn’t seem to be a dangerous activity. But over time, repetitive action may lead to strain on muscles, nerves, and tendons. Usually, it is the injury to the nerves which run through the wrist. The hand specialists in Dallas have some simple tips, which may help prevent standard hand and wrist injuries.
Pay Attention to The Posture:
If you are working on the computer or the laptop screen, you need to be very mindful of your position while working. Adjust your chair repetitively to test your posture. You must rest your feet on the floor while your knee should be bent at a 90° angle to avoid any strain on the back. Your head needs to be aligned with your spine, and your pelvis and feet need to tilt slightly back so that your weight rests on your sit bones. Keep your arms loose and never allow your wrists to drop from a resting platform. You can prefer a wireless keyboard, if necessary.
Check the Position of Your Hands While Typing:
Whenever you start working on your laptop or computer, remove any chunky jewelry if you are wearing. Many professionals prefer to stretch their hands, forearms, and fingers before and after typing. The hand doctors in Dallas suggest the right way to do that. Push your palms together like you are praying and rotate your wrists in a circular motion.
It is essential to keep your hands in a neutral position while typing. Leaning towards the pinkies or the thumbs may lead to injury. Keep your hands and wrists straight while typing.
Keep an Eye on The Keyboard’s Position:
While setting your workstation, it is essential to buy a chair of the right height. Your wrists must not press against the hard edge of the table or desk. They even should not be so high that you need to bend them to reach the keyboard. Placing your keyboard on a flat surface, which is on the same level as your elbow, helps prevent this problem.
What To Do If You Are Injured?
If you got an injury in your wrists or hands, you might encounter common symptoms like throbbing, weakness, stiffness, or pain. This pain may occur while you are working on the computer or may stay for all day.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the nerves in the wrist and hand. If the nerves get damaged, it may take a long time to heal. But the faster response to the pain may help you take proper measures to treat the injury and prevent it from spreading carelessly. North Texas Hand Center has occupational therapy in Dallas, TX. You can reduce the pain by consulting with a specialist and taking anti-inflammatory medicines or pain relievers. Seeing a doctor may also help you diagnose the root cause of the injury. You can schedule a prior appointment by calling at 940-442-6760.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can Texting Cause Wrist Pain?
Ans. Overuse of smartphones may cause wrist pain as the tendons that connect to the thumb get inflamed. Your wrist may also get inflamed and cause pain.
Q. Can You Get Carpal Tunnel from Texting?
Ans. For adolescents and teenagers, texting is not more likely to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. However, repetitive motion with your smartphone may lead to hand discomfort and pain.
Q. What Are the Five Symptoms Of RSI?
Ans. You may feel some quite common symptoms like weakness, throbbing, tingling and numbness, pain and tenderness, and cramps if you get affected with repetitive strain injury.
Q. How Can I Stop My Hand From Hurting When I Type?
Ans. If your hand is hurting during typing, you may prefer buying over-the-counter anti-inflammatory wrist band or visit a hand surgeon in Dallas to find the root cause of the problem. Taking rest from texting may also help to subside the pain.
Q. How Should Wrists Be Typing?
Ans. Keep your arms loose and never allow your wrists to drop from a resting platform while typing. Keep your hands in a neutral position and wrists straight while typing.
Q. How Do I Stop My Wrist From Hurting When I Write?
Ans. Keeping your wrist in a suitable position helps you prevent the pain. But if your wrist is hurting when writing, you need to pay attention and get treated before it becomes a more significant issue. Talk to a hand surgeon from North Texas Hand Center today.
Q. How Do You Treat A Wrist Strain?
Ans. Rest your wrist at least for 48 hours to control the pain. Doing ice therapy is an excellent option to deal with pain in your wrist. If the pain is beyond your control, talk to a hand surgeon or pay a visit to get treated.