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Smartphone Causing You Pain? You Might Have Text Claw

Text messaging is one of the most frequently and widely-used applications on mobile devices and smartphones. According to Pew Internet Research, 97{8a84bec29f0c6191c5749bf28eb523294366e43ed833a200fa3533daa6774e4e} of Americans send at least one text message every day, which accounts to more than 6 billion text messages traveling the information highway in the U.S. every day.

With so many conversations being conducted in short text messages, your thumb and fingers are destined to get a workout. While workouts are typically a good thing, over exertion can lead to soreness and cramping in your thumbs, fingers, wrist, and forearms, which explains a condition called text claw.

What Is Text Claw?

Text claw may not be an official medical diagnosis, but several individuals have felt the pangs of typing, texting, or browsing the web. Text claw explains the pain you get throughout your hands and wrist after continuously performing fine motor activities. In addition to text messaging, other fine motor activities that may cause text claw include:

  • Peeling vegetables
  • Needlepoint
  • Rolling a cigar

In some patients, text claw has led to tendonitis, which is associated with wrist pain, numbness, aching, and loss of strength. Tendonitis can make the smallest tasks seem nearly impossible to complete. Most importantly, the swelling from tendonitis may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Are Treatments for Text Claw?

If it’s clear your pain is caused by over texting, it may be time to take it easy. One alternative is to choose a voice app to convert your speech to text. This will certainly reduce the amount of strain on your hands and fingers. However, if you are unable to live without sending the tweet or SMS message, use the following tips to reduce the discomfort and improve flexibility.

  1. Use Heat – Apply heat to the affected area with a heating pad or hot towel. This will help alleviate the pain and relax the muscles.
  2. Perform Stretches – Reach forward while extending your arm outward with your hand extending backward. This simple motion will stretch your muscles and tendons.
  3. Massage – In the process of stretching, pay attention to areas with tightness or tension. Check to see whether you have nodules in your forearm, which will feel like tiny balls. Gently rub the nodules and press downward. However, make sure to avoid overdoing it, and do not apply too much pressure near or on your thumb. This could damage the large nerve in the area.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory Relief – By taking naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, you may be able to reduce the inflammation and irritation associated with text claw.

If you do not find relief after performing these at-home treatments, your condition may be more serious than text claw.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist to Learn More

If you are experiencing pain from using your smartphone, iPad, or other electronic device excessively, you may be suffering from text claw. At the same time, your discomfort could be caused from tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a variety of other common conditions.

As a result, it’s important to speak to a hand specialist for an expert opinion. The professionals at Atlanta Hand Specialist practice exclusively on matters affecting your hand, fingers, wrist, and thumb. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to quickly diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the hand, fingers, wrist, and thumb.

If you are experiencing hand cramping, soreness or any other discomfort, the hand surgeons and practitioners at Atlanta Hand Specialist may be able to help. Contact the Atlanta Hand Specialist today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you have pressure on your wrists? Many people have symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome without knowing it. Find out how the condition is caused and what treatment you’ll receive from Atlanta Hand Specialists for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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Wrist & Hand Fracture

If you have shooting pain in your hand or wrist, you may have a wrist or hand fracture. Fracturing, or breaking, the bones in the wrist or hand is extremely easy because of their size and structure. Read on to learn how wrist and hand fractures are treated by Dr. Patel and the Atlanta Hand Specialists.

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Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is caused by stressing the tendons and getting your thumb or finger stuck in the bent position. Inflammation and localized pressure are common signs for trigger finger. Seek treatment from the Atlanta Hand Specialists about trigger finger and your treatment options available.

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Ganglion Cyst

Tender lumps found on the hand or wrist can be a cyst. Ganglion Cysts are commonly filled with fluid, and form because of tendon or joint irritation. Find out more about how Ganglion Cysts are treated by the specialists at Atlanta Hand Specialist.

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