Do you know how much time the average person spends texting? It doesn’t really matter but some of us are more susceptible to physical damage than others. Because the time varies, the age you start texting, and the intensity of your hand movements I want to tell you about the possible consequences. Have you heard of some famous diseases such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, stenosing tenosynovitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome? Weird names, right? However, if your thumb tendons become inflamed, any of the following can be the cause.  

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis:

The following syndrome has a direct relation with a thumb injury, and that is why we’ve chosen to discuss it versus the other conditions. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful disease caused by the overstressing or overworking of the thumb and wrist. The sheaths, which cover the tendons, become inflamed and swollen causing stiffness and difficulty in flexing the thumb. The syndrome is widely known by other names such as mommy’s thumb, gamer’s thumb, and also texting thumb since all three involve repetitive movement of the thumb and wrist while performing those tasks.  

Does too much texting cause long-term negative effects?

Yes! Texting has long term negative effects on the thumb and can cause conditions such as texting thumb or trigger thumb. But how do you know if you have it? Check for these symptoms.  

Symptoms of texting thumb:

• A nodule is formed in your thumb’s base • Swelling of the thumb • Pain while typing or texting • Popping or locking of the thumb when flexed Now that we’re talking about texting thumb, there’s no point in ending the article without some tips to prevent it.  

Prevention methods of texting thumb:

• Don’t engage in continuous texting for hours as it will stress the tendons of the thumb.
• Stretch your fingers and thumb in order to keep the tendons agile.
• Try to phone someone when you need to talk rather than text them. It’s a better way to connect with them too.