Tendonitis From Texting in Teens
Brief messages sent from one electronic device to another has taken the place of face-to-face conversation and voice calling in much of the teenage world. This form of communication can go on for hours throughout the day and the toll on the body can be significant. Tendonitis is a reality for some teen texters, causing inflammation within the tendons of the hand, often resulting in pain each time muscles in the surrounding area contract.
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Texting Thumb
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Some people text with their pointer fingers, others text with their thumbs, and the more teens text with their thumbs, the more prone they are to thumb tendonitis. In fact, the problem is so common that it even has a name. The New York University website refers to this type of tendonitis as De̵7;Quervain̵7;s syndrome. Caused by continuous repetition by the thumbs, this painful problem extends from the base of the thumb and up into the forearm.
Take a Break
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The best tactic that teens can do to prevent tendonitis is to step away from their smartphones and take a break. Regular breaks between texting sessions give the body the opportunity to recover from the repetitive behaviors. According to the University of Cincinnati website, reducing keystrokes, switching-up the fingers used to text and choosing a smartphone with a keyboard that gives the fingers and thumbs room to stretch is also helpful in reducing the risk of tendonitis.
Relief
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Teens can reduce their risk of acquiring painful tendonitis flare-ups by resting their hands. This rest period might include the use of a temporary splint to keep the affected fingers or thumbs immobilized. Ice and an anti-inflammatory medication, taken as directed by the manufacturer, can also supply relief to teens with texting tendonitis. Beaumont Orthopedics suggests a physician̵7;s evaluation for any discomfort that includes swelling, bruising, numbness or tingling.
Considerations
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As if tendonitis wasn̵7;t enough to cause teens to think twice about their texting habits, the risk of spinal injuries is also a consideration. According to the University of Minnesota, poor posture is a condition that requires attention. Many teens assume a hunched-over position when reading and sending texts. This texting position places a major strain on the neck and negatively affects the natural curve of the spine. The result is pain, headaches and an uncomfortable tingling sensation in the limbs and appendages.
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