An overview

When the tendons and sheaths at the base of your thumb are inflamed, it is known as the texting thumb. Consequently, the inflammation puts pressure on the nerves and causes pain. By following effective home remedies at the initial stage of the disease, you can get rid of the pain and get back to your daily routine in a matter of weeks. 

Other names of texting thumb:

De Quervain’s diseaseMommy’s thumb.First Dorsal Compartment Tenosynovitis.Texting Tenosynovitis.Blackberry thumb.Gaming thumb.

Texting thumb causes

Repetitive activities with wrist and thumb, such as hammering, wringing out clothes, knitting, and skiing. Strain to the thumb.Injury or trauma to the thumb. Chronic illnesses, including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammatory conditions, such as

Texting thumb symptoms 

Difficulty moving your wrist and thumb when you’re doing something that involves pinching or grasping.A stop-and-go or sticking sensation in the thumb when moving it.Pain travels into your thumb or from the wrist to your lower arm.Pain and swelling that appear suddenly or develop over time.Pain when making a fish.Experiencing snapping or popping sensation in the wrist when moving your thumb.

Texting thumb diagnosis at home

If you’re not sure whether you have De Quervain’sdisease, perform the test below:Make a fish with the thumb inside your fingers.Apply pressure to the fish in such a way that your pinky moves closer to your wrist. 

If you experience the same pain while texting, you’re suffering from first dorsal compartment tenosynovitis. 

Texting thumb treatments 

Avoid repetitive movements

Reduce certain workload that overexerts your thumb and hand.Avoid activities that cause pain and swelling. It will allow the symptoms to go away on their own. If you’re suffering from hand pain but have to send urgent text messages, it’s better to shift your phone to voice-to-text mode.

 

Take frequent breaks

Lifting, moving, and typing in the right way reduces the pressure on your wrist and stops your tendons from being damaged.Take breaks from certain activities, such as lifting children, gardening, and typing, whenever you can. It will give your thumb and wrist time to rest before using more. 

 

Wear a brace or splint

There are special braces, wands, and splints that can easily be used at home to get instant relief from the symptoms of texting thumb.It is more effective in the earlier stages of De Quervain’s syndrome and eliminates the need for surgery. It is a handy portable device designed with a completely natural approach.

 

Medications

The anti-inflammatory medicines help you relieve pain and swelling in your tendons in the tendon sheath.Consult your doctor regarding your symptoms before taking any medication.Examples of anti-inflammatory medications include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil Motrin).

 

 

Physical therapy 

Perform a simple stretch by putting your hands out.Bend your wrist away from your thumb land use your other hand to flex your thumb down towards the ground.It increases blood flow, reduces swelling, promotes normal tissue repair, and reduce muscle spasm. 

Texting thumb in pregnant women & nursing mothers

First dorsal compartment tenosynovitis may occur in women during pregnancy or after giving birth to their child. The condition can occur at any time, but some women begin to have symptoms two to three weeks after childbirth. 

To prevent pain, here are a few suggestions from professional hand therapists:

Lift your baby differently: instead of picking your baby up under the arms, try to scoop him up by lifting under his bottom. Change your breastfeeding position: be careful to use a pillow for support so that the full weight of the baby’s head isn’t resting in your hand. Rest your wrist: apply ice to your wrist frequently and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the symptoms of the blackberry thumb.

What to do before taking professional assistance?

Make an appointment with your doctor if the symptoms of the texting thumb don’t reduce. After an initial exam, your doctor will refer you to an orthopedist or occupational therapist. 

Here are some points you should consider before taking professional assistance:-

Write down the key medical information, including medication and supplements. Write down your hobbies and activities that are causing strain in your wrist or hands. Write down all the recent injuries to your hand and wrist. Write down questions to ask your doctor. 

The bottom line

Simply being aware of the risks and complications is the first step to beating the odds. If left alone, the consequences can be severe and range from severe discomfort to a burst tendon sheath requiring additional and lengthy treatments. Nevertheless, start following these effective remedies to reduce the symptoms of texting tenosynovitis and enhance the quality of your life. 

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