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October 20, 2005
Blackberry Thumb
As more and more Americans use cell phones and personal digital assistants for text messaging and e-mail, "Blackberry thumb" is becoming more common.
Repetitive motion injuries, which have long afflicted desktop and laptop computer users, are invading the mobile handheld world.
There's even an informal name for the malady - "BlackBerry Thumb" - a catch-all phrase that describes a repetitive stress injury of the thumb as a result of overusing small gadget keypads.
Treatment for the malady varies from physical therapy (including massage therapy), to cortisone shots, to surgery.
Treatment for BlackBerry thumb may include wearing a splint and applying ice to the affected area. If the pain persists, doctors may opt to inject the thumb area with a cortisone shot. Surgery may be required as a last resort.
Posted by linda at October 20, 2005 10:21 PM
