Frequent Gadget Users Might Get BlackBerry Thumb

Posted on November 6, 2005

A lot of people have heard of gamers thumb but a new thumb-related problem is increasing in frequency. The problem is called the "BlackBerry Thumb" and it affects people who frequently use mobile devices like the BlackBerry it is named after. An article on SiliconValley.com says some hand experts are worried about repetitive motion injuries from gadgets.

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.
Business executives and tech-savvy consumers are increasingly using BlackBerries, Treos, Sidekicks and other devices with miniature keyboards designed for thumb-tapping to stay connected while on the go.
And that has some ergonomic and hand experts worried about injuries from overexertion.

A WebMD article on BlackBerry Thumb suggests a rest from the gadget inducing the thumb pain and comments on some of the available treatments.

"If they have true tendinitis, I might give them a cortisone shot," Benhaim says. "Or I might use a thumb brace, maybe. I would certainly tell them to rest it. And then to minimize the stress and strain. Do more typing on your keyboard and then sync over to your BlackBerry rather than typing longer messages on BlackBerry itself."
Merchandisers have been quick to cash in on the trend. Several thumb splints and glove-type treatments are available. But Allan warns that these quick cures may actually aggravate the problem.
"With the thumb splint, it is very iffy that it will change the mechanics of the motion to make it better. And it might make it worse," he says.