When smartphones make us sick, thumb pain typical episode

New Disease: Treat your thumbs properly

Smartphones are almost indispensable in everyday life. However, the continued use of small devices can have health consequences; one of them is the so-called "mobile phone thumb". Experts explain what can help those affected.

Mobile owners activate their device over 50 times a day

Mobile phones and smartphones have become an indispensable everyday companion for many people. Especially for the majority of the younger population a life without the small devices is hardly conceivable today. For example, a study showed that many children only endure for 30 minutes without a mobile phone, until regular withdrawal symptoms appear. But even adults can hardly keep their hands off it: according to a study by researchers at the University of Bonn, cell phone owners activate their device 53 times a day on average. This can have health consequences: intensive use of the mobile phone favors "phone diseases" such as the "mobile phone thumb". Experts explain what can be done about it.

The permanent use of smartphones can lead to health problems, including the so-called "mobile phone thumb". Experts explain what sufferers should do then. (Image: Antonioguillem / fotolia.com)

Smartphone usage with health consequences

It has been known for some time that the ever more intensive use of smartphones will not be without health consequences.

Studies have shown that such devices disturb sleep and lead to language and concentration disorders in children and adolescents.

In addition, experts assume that the constant use of smartphones will increase myopia.

Furthermore, threatened by the posture with lowered head postural disorders such as neck tension.

Last but not least, people who are constantly texting, surfing and whatsapping risk having a thumb pain.

New "orthopedic" lifestyle disease

As it says in a statement of the University Hospital Leipzig (UKL), in Germany is now spoken of the "mobile thumb", in English-speaking countries of "WhatsAppitis" or "WhatsApp Disease" - the smartphone has brought the world a new "orthopedic" civilization disease.

"When using the smartphone with one hand, the thumb is overstrained", says Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Langer, Head of the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Special Hand Surgery at the Department of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Plastic Surgery of the University Hospital Leipzig.

"This is compounded by the growing size of mobile phone displays - and the urge to be on the social networks all the time."

Strongest finger of the human hand

As the experts explain in the message, the thumb "designally" is meant to support gripping the hand.

The fist is a typical movement for the strongest finger of the human hand; a stretching or spreading movement in the long run but not.

"The continued movement of the thumb in the direction of the little fingers strains and causes pain in the thumb-side wrist," explains Prof. Langer.

"The typical patient today is 15 to 25 years, actually very healthy and of course totally networked. In the past, the typical patient was a 65-year-old woman who has worked all her life. She suffered from wear disorders, which included a classic tendonitis in the thumb area. "

Leave cellphone out until the pain is gone

According to the experts, the difference from today to earlier in the patient's age and in the physical constitution is not only statistically interesting, but robs the medical treatment options.

"The elderly lady often got a cortisone injection, the pain subsided, the inflammation stopped. Only in an emergency we had to operate and open the tendon compartment, "said the expert.

"The young cell phone user, I can give a clear conscience no cortisone: The patient or the tendon still has the whole life in front of him. There can still be real medical problems where cortisone is essential, "says Prof. Langer.

"There is no real reason for surgery. I can only advise the young patient: omit the mobile phone. With a little patience, the pain lasts after a week. "

Also, ergotherapists can help

Occupational therapists can also help, such as Norina Weisenbilder of the Central Institution Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at the UKL.

"At each stop I see my future patients standing - head tilted, hunched back and thumb always moving. In the long run muscle tension is the logical consequence. First the big thumb, then the forearm, the shoulder, the neck, "says the expert.

Physical therapists and physiotherapists master techniques that can be used to loosen the fascia, muscles and connective tissue. A kinesio tape on the thumb saddle joint and on the thumb side of the forearm can also help stabilize the long thumb flexor.

"I advise the Handy Tippern, both thumbs at the same time to use", advise the Ergo and physiotherapist.

"So the thumbs do not have to travel long distances on the display, so they are not overstretched. And in general, the bauble on the phone should remain in the frame. Then your thumb will not hurt either. "

Patients do not over-therapy

Meanwhile, Prof. Langer draws attention to the fact that cell phone addiction and its medical consequences are also factored in by general practitioners.

"I want to avoid being over-hyped soon. If a young person comes with pain in his hand, you do not have to immediately an X-ray, a CT or even an MRI cause, "says the Leipzig surgeon.

"An inexpensive ultrasound scan usually reveals the swollen tendon. Even the manual therapy options do not have to be declined immediately. Rest is sometimes enough. It would be best, "said Prof. Langer," if the doctor could pronounce a temporary cell phone ban, as with their own children. "(Ad)