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'Blackberry Thumb' Causing Digital Distress In and Out of the Workplace |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
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For millions of hand held electronic devices such as BlackBerries, Treos, and Sidekicksare a source of convenience and efficiency. But, if used improperly, they can also be a source of chronic pain and injury, says the American Physical Therapy Association.
ESATO NEWS
"'BlackBerry Thumb,' the latest in a string of techno-related,workplace maladies, is a catch-all phrase for repetitive stress injury,causing pain and/or numbness in the thumbs and joints of the hand," says Margot Miller, PT, a physical therapist with WorkWell Systems in Duluth, MN
and president of APTA's Occupational Health Special Interest Group. Miller notes that the condition is caused by spending too much time checking and composing e-mails, instant messaging, and accessing the Internet for both work and personal use through a handheld wireless personal digital assistant (PDA).
Miller points out that users who abuse their PDAs that is, those who use them for more than short intervals, several times a day are more likely to develop symptoms ranging from swelling and hand throbbing to tendonitis. Additionally, because so many PDA users are middle-aged
businesspeople, overuse can aggravate underlying arthritis, she says."Because the keyboard of a PDA is so small and because the thumb, which is the least dexterous part of the hand, is overtaxed (for faster typing),the risk of injury just skyrockets."
The best solution to prevent BlackBerry Thumb, says Miller? "Listen to your body, be aware of your symptoms and take personal responsibility,"she says.Typical treatments include applying ice to the affected area,stretching, using a properly fitted thumb split, and possibly even a
cortisone injection. In worse-case scenarios, some may need surgery to remove scar tissue that has thickened the tendons inside tunnels that sheath them. "But my first suggestion is that individuals who have these symptoms see a physical therapist," Miller concludes. www.apta.org
Tips on How To Avoid "BlackBerry Thumb"
From the American Physical Therapy Association
* Take frequent breaks from your PDA. It's harmful to type for more than
a few minutes at a time.
* Write fewer and shorter messages; learn to abbreviate your responses.
* Try to avoid thumb-typing; use your other fingers to type.
* If possible, place a support in your lap so wrists are in a more
upright position and not flexed or bent.
* Do simple exercises, such as the following:
Tap each finger with the thumb of the same hand. Repeat 5 times.
Alternate tapping the palm of your hand and the back of your hand
against your thigh as quickly as you can. Repeat 20 times.
Open up your hands and spread fingers as far apart as possible. Hold
for ten seconds and repeat eight times.
Fold your hands together; turn your palms away from your body as
you extend your arms forward. You should only feel a gentle
stretch. Hold for ten seconds and repeat eight times.
Fold your hands together; turn your palms away from your body
and extend your arms overhead. You should feel the stretch in your
upper torso and shoulders to hand. Hold for ten seconds and repeat
eight times.
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Kryptik
Joined: Jun 24, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Port Elizabeth, S.Africa
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Nice find, bro.
I'm not superstitious, merely mildly stitious. |
Berry
Joined: Dec 09, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: UK
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good fine but i always thought the pain was caused by something else 
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axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
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The Hyatt hotels of North America have launched the “BlackBerry Balm” hand massage in response to their growing list of business clientele complaining of this malady. The 30-minute massage is available in most of the N.A. spas and uses a specially made “BlackBerry Balm” to relieve the pain. You shell out $30 for the massage that “focuses on counteracting tension on various hand and arm muscles, specifically in the thumbs and overworked wrists”.
source
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shaliron
Joined: Jan 15, 2006
Posts: > 500
From: Melbourne, Australia
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I guess handwriting recognition is the way to go.
A wooden spoon is a spoon made from wood. Source: WikipediaWinner of: Best Thread (Huge SE Portfolio) 2007, Best Post (Huge SE Portfolio) 2007, Best Signature 2007, and 2nd Best Nickname 2007. | |
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Posted: 2006-09-27 19:22
