US, WASHINGTON (ORDO NEWS) — Before the coronavirus pandemic, our life was already full of examples of the overuse of technological innovations. We saw this everywhere: when traveling on public transport, at stops and stations, in shopping centers, at the workplace, in restaurants and cafes, at gala dinners with relatives and even at home, we always use smartphones and wear headphones.
In the current conditions of self-isolation, the excessive use of gadgets has become even more obvious: waking up, children and adults begin the day with smartphones in their hands, and they fall asleep with them.
Today, the number of smartphone users reaches more than 3 billion people, and the obsession with these devices has a catastrophic effect on our body.
In this article we want to talk about the most serious health problems that arise with prolonged use of gadgets, as well as methods of their prevention and treatment.
Mobile Phone Finger (TEXTER THUMB)
The scientific name for the disease is de Quervain’s tendonitis. This is a type of inflammation that affects the tendons and their ligaments responsible for the movement of the thumb (extensors of the thumb). Often it occurs as a result of a large load on the thumb, for example, when typing in gadgets or during electronic games. In this regard, the disease is sometimes called the “thumb of a gamer” (gamer thumb).
The onset of symptoms begins with pain with thumb movements. It can spread on the wrist and forearm and vary in degree of intensity, as well as be accompanied by swelling at the base of the thumb, and sometimes a burning sensation in the hand.
This inflammation affects the ability of the hand to hold objects. In addition, the classic manifestation of thumb disease is that it takes on a shape resembling a hammer.
Treatment
In mild cases, the treatment is simple and does not require surgical intervention. It is only necessary to limit the period during which the hand maintains an unnatural position. In addition, you can use a special strap and perform a series of home exercises. Finally, analgesics can be used, but sometimes the pain takes a chronic form, which requires surgical intervention.
Smartphone Finger (SMARTPHONE THUMB)
This term is used to refer to a disease of the thumb due to the prolonged use of the smartphone while exchanging text messages and viewing feeds on social networks.
Previously, workers of factories and factories were susceptible to this disease, but today the excessive use of smartphones affects the tendons responsible for the movements of the thumb, causes inflammation and manifests itself in the form of pain in the hand or loss of ability to hold objects.
Treatment
– Use voice messages instead of text messages
– Try to use both hands when typing text messages; hold the device with one hand and print with the other without relying solely on the thumb
– Let’s rest your hands
– Limit time spent playing electronic games
– Use ice packs if you feel pain and swelling of the finger
Clicking Syndrome (TRIGGER THUMB)
Clicking Syndrome is a painful pathology characterized by difficulty bending the phalanges of the thumb or any other finger. With this disease, the finger gets stuck in a bent position and unbends with a characteristic click, as when you press the trigger of a gun. Incidentally, this clicking sound gave the name to the aforementioned disease.
The scientific name for the syndrome is stenotic ligamentitis. The cause of this disease is considered improper use of one of the fingers. For example, the index finger when controlling a computer mouse or typing on a computer keyboard. This leads to inflammation of the connective tissues and ligaments that hold the flexor tendons. When you try to straighten your finger, pain and a characteristic clicking sound appear. In addition, there is a “blocking” of the finger in an extended state. Complications of stenosing ligamentitis can be accompanied by the appearance of a dense painful cone at the base of the finger. If the condition worsens, then the finger is stuck in a bent position.
Disease treatment:
– Let your hand rest for a while;
– Use a special fixing bandage;
– Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
– Do regular exercises to stretch your fingers;
– Take a course of corticosteroid injections as a topical treatment;
– Get surgery as a last resort.
Carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome (CARPAL TUNNEL)
Numerous studies show that the use of smartphones has a negative effect on human hands, especially on the median nerve. Recall that he is responsible for the sensitivity and functioning of the palm and fingers, with the exception of the little finger, and also innervates the muscles of the thumb. Disruption of the median nerve leads to carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome.
Carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome occurs due to increased pressure on the median nerve in the carpal canal, where it passes. The main manifestations of the disease are tingling, numbness and pain in the fingers, palms and forearms. By the way, the above symptoms adversely affect the duration and quality of sleep.
Taking measures to prevent carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome will certainly be the best solution, since it will eliminate the need for surgical intervention and prevent the disease from becoming chronic.
Most often, the symptoms of carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome develop gradually, so when you notice the first signs, you need to try to reduce the pressure on the median nerve. If your work requires typing on a computer keyboard, then you need to reduce the pressure on the keys. In addition, it is strongly recommended to take breaks during operation.
Unfortunately, often the condition of the hand worsens, which requires medical intervention, which includes non-surgical and surgical methods of treatment. It is best not to delay in these matters, as it can later lead to matters becoming worse in terms of nerve problems. People living in Richmond, Virginia could consult specialists who deal with carpal tunnel syndrome richmond to get the problems looked at by a doctor who can provide an efficient solution.
Non-surgical treatment methods:
– Change the usual working methods that cause the disease. Change the mobile phone to a smartphone with a large screen, change the way you print on a computer or the way you hold the mouse;
– Wear a special retaining bandage, especially at night, which will prevent flexion of the hand during sleep;
– Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that simultaneously relieve pain and inflammation;
– Take a course of injection of corticosteroids, which will reduce swelling and inflammation. They will remove pain and eliminate pressure on the median nerve.
– Take a course of physiotherapy, do regular exercises to relieve pressure on the median nerve, as well as exercises to strengthen the muscles of the wrist.
Methods of surgical treatment:
– Endoscopic surgery for the treatment of carpal (carpal) tunnel syndrome, which will relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Selfie Wrist (SELFIE WRIST)
An unrestrained desire to take a selfie negatively affects the ability of the hand to hold things, and also causes a neurological disease – carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occur in 18-35 year olds as a result of compression of the median nerve at the site of its passage through the carpal tunnel. This is due to the fact that during a selfie you have to unnaturally twist your wrist in order to catch the desired angle for shooting.
Disease treatment:
– Do not press hard on the phone screen when using it;
– Do not use only one hand to control the mobile phone, alternate them.
– Let your hands rest from time to time;
– Do regular exercises to stretch your fingers and muscles of the wrist.
Selfie Elbow (SELFIE ELBOW)
Selfie elbow is a disease similar to tennis elbow syndrome or lateral epicondylitis. Inflammation of the elbow joint occurs due to the constant tension of the elbow tendons during a selfie, when a person holds a mobile phone at arm’s length. Symptoms associated with the selfie elbow syndrome include pain at the junction of the tendon and bone. Moreover, pain in the arm can spread from the elbow to the hand.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of self-elbow syndrome are not limited to pain in the elbow. This disease also affects the ability of the hand to hold objects and perform some complex actions, such as shaking hands, holding a cup of coffee or turning the door handle. In addition, it makes it difficult to extend the arm forward.
Disease treatment:
The recovery period can take anywhere from six months to a year, but there are several methods that can help reduce pain and speed recovery:
– Use ice packs to relieve pain;
– Use an Elbow Compression Sleeve for Pain Relief;
– Take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
– Do regular exercises to develop joint mobility and flexibility;
– Take a course of corticosteroid injections as a topical treatment;
– Have surgery if the pain becomes chronic.
Cell Phone Elbow (CELLPHONE ELBOW)
Symptoms associated with cell phone-elbow syndrome include numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the little finger and ring finger due to pressure on the ulnar nerve that passes through the cubital canal directly behind the inside of the elbow. The scientific name for the disease is cubital tunnel syndrome. It occurs when a person relies on his elbow for a long time while using a mobile phone or computer.
Disease treatment:
Taking preventative measures is the best treatment at the initial stage, which allows not only to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve, but also to avoid surgical intervention.
Computer Neck Syndrome (TEXT NECK)
“Computer Neck Syndrome” is not a medical term, but recently it has become widespread. He is credited with all the pain in the neck and shoulders caused by the excessive use of mobile phones.
The head of an adult weighs about 4.5 kilograms on average. We do not feel this, because the neck was specially created in order to support the weight of the head. But what happens when you bow your head over a mobile phone? The center of gravity shifts forward, which increases the load on the cervical spine. If earlier the load on the cervical vertebrae was 4.5 kilograms, then when tilted, the weight of the head increases to 22 kilograms.
Can you imagine how many hours you spend buried in a mobile phone? Your neck is in an unnatural position for a long time, which leads to disastrous consequences: from pain to the displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
Symptoms associated with “computer neck syndrome” include persistent pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back, as well as cramps and limited movement of the cervical spine.
Disease treatment:
– Change position when using computers and mobile phones. From time to time, rest and sit with your back straight;
– Do regular stretching and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck.
“Computer hump” (COMPUTER HUNCH)
In the normal state, the spine has a convex region in the upper back, but a long sitting in front of a computer or mobile phone increases the “hump”, which ultimately leads to curvature of the spine or postural kyphosis.
The degree of curvature varies from mild to severe, which leads to severe deformation of the back. Symptoms associated with postural kyphosis include pain or burning in the upper neck, headache, and decreased blood flow to the brain and upper limbs.
Disease treatment:
– Try to sit upright;
– Put a comfortable desk in the workplace;
– Take breaks during work;
– Do regular exercises on your back and shoulders. For example, rowing.
Computer Mouse Syndrome (MOUSE WRIST)
The pain in the wrist that occurs due to the use of a computer mouse is often caused by the fact that you incorrectly hold the mouse itself or choose it incorrectly for yourself. It can be too big, too small or too heavy, which requires more control, and this, in turn, is very harmful to the hand. This along with neck and back pains are the leading causes for employers and employees requiring the likes of ergonomic office furniture such as the variations you could find on Office Monster and likewise websites. The use of ergonomic furniture can decrease the likelihood of these pains becoming a permanent issue.
How to prevent the development of the disease:
– Choose the type of computer mouse that suits your hand. The most popular types include palm grip, claw grip, and fingertip grip. You could continue reading at this link to find the mouse that is right for you.
– Adjust the office chair for better control;
– Try not to put your wrist on the edge of the table when using the mouse;
– Use a mouse pad with a special pad under your wrist.
After we examined all the problems of the musculoskeletal system that arise due to the improper use of our organs, it is necessary to take serious measures to maintain the health and normal functioning of the body.
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