
Surgery consists of cutting open the tendon sheaths, reducing friction and giving tendons space to heal. Treatment can be either non-surgical – consisting of immobilization of the wrist in a splint, over the counter pain medication, and physical therapy/stretching – or surgical. Then, bend your wrist down, stretching out the thumb side of your wrist – if you feel pain on the outside of the wrist, then you may have De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Starting with a thumb’s up sign, tuck your thumb into your wrapped fingers and hold it tight. Anatomically, these tendons are covered by a slippery layer of tissue that can become irritated with repetitive strain (such as lifting a baby), causing friction and pain with thumb and wrist movements.Īn easy way to diagnose De Quervain’s syndrome is using the Finkelstein test. Common InjuriesĪlso known as “mommy’s thumb” or “texting thumb,” De Quervain’s tendinosis refers to a swelling of the tendons around the base of the thumb.

Most evidence is anecdotal (even if compelling) – patients complaining of new pain or worsening pain with increased technology use – and larger scale studies are needed to establish a causal relationship between the two. This all said, it should be noted that the relationship between chronic cell phone use and hand and wrist injuries is not fully understood. Over time, this wear and tear can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Despite their gentler nature, the consistency of these technological motions adds up, leading to inflammation in joints and along tendons. Texting, typing, swiping, and scrolling all create repetitive stress on the hand and wrist – similar to sports like golf or baseball. How Texting and Typing Affect the Hand and Wrist


In fact, according to Rush University, the average American spends around 23 hours per week texting! With the rise of these devices, concerns have emerged over their prolonged effects on hand and wrist health. From our phones to our TVs to our computers, we spend significant time in front of a screen each day, often texting or typing at the same time.
