What Causes It?
BlackBerry thumb occurs as the result of asking the thumb joints to repeatedly perform the same action too often. Excessive tapping, flicking, and clicking do our thumbs no favors. X-ray and exam findings can determine if a patient has BlackBerry thumb.
Some sports enthusiasts like to “work through pain.” They believe that by pushing the body beyond its current limits, it will gradually become accustomed to new demands placed on it. That approach does not work with joints. And since BlackBerry thumb is a joint problem, forcing thumbs to go above and beyond will only lead to further trouble.
Typical Treatments
Patients will often be asked to rest the thumbs as part of treatment. Medical treatment typically consists of resting or splinting the thumb, anti-inflammatory medicines, cortisone injections and, as a last resort, surgery.
What Might a DC Suggest?
Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) are educated to use a variety of non-drug, non-surgical
approaches to BlackBerry thumb. Giving your thumbs a chance to start the healing process may include a program of rest, thumb strapping, and gentle stretches or targeted massage. A DC may decide to use Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to help alleviate the problem. One of the better-known of such techniques is Graston Technique®, which utilizes stainless steel instruments in the hands of practitioners skilled at treating damaged soft tissues.
What Can I Do To Help Myself?
Whatever we might wish them to do, doctors cannot simply make BlackBerry thumb “go
away” without the cooperation of the patient. Moderation and flexibility in how we use PDAs are key. When it comes to BlackBerry thumb, the following tips can make our PDAs do what they were designed to do—serve us, not hurt us:
• Avoid typing for more than three minutes without a break.
• Hold the PDA comfortably and close to the body.
• Insert it into a holder and set it on a desk or a briefcase.
• Turn the device off on the weekend—or at least on Sundays.
• Decide that you will check emails and text messages just four times a day.
• Cut back on the number of keystrokes and keep messages short and simple.
• Abbreviate.
• Consider using the AutoText feature.
• If a message must be longer, use your computer keyboard, not your PDA.
• Practice using other fingers for typing—especially when thumbs hurt.
• If thumbs are in pain, use a thumb or wrist support.
• Pay attention to your grip. Keep wrists upright and straight.
• Don’t slouch while texting. Slouchers often develop neck pain, in addition to thumb
pain.
For more information from the American Chiropractic Association on how to getTechno Healthy, visit www.TechnoHealthy.com.
October 2011
For more information on injury prevention and wellness, or to find a doctor of chiropractic near you, go to the patient information section on ACA’s Web site at www.acatoday.org/Patients or call 800-986-4636.
This patient information page is a public service of the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for a diagnosis by a specialist. For specific information concerning your health condition, consult your doctor of chiropractic. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by doctors of chiropractic and other healthcare professionals to educate patients. Any other reproduction is subject to ACA approval.
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