ROME — Today’s workers, especially the young, often seem tethered to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. When combined with use of video-gaming devices at home this can cause overuse injuries such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, an area health-care professional says. Michelle Madore, an occupational therapist at Chestnut Commons Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in […]
ROME — Today’s workers, especially the young, often seem tethered to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. When combined with use of video-gaming devices at home this can cause overuse injuries such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, an area health-care professional says.
Michelle Madore, an occupational therapist at Chestnut Commons Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Rome, says these common devices can lead to pain from injuries of muscles and joints in the hands, arms, and upper body, according to a news release from Rome Memorial Hospital, parent of Chestnut Commons.
According to the release, occupational therapists have seen an increase of young patients with these repetitive-motion injuries since the overuse of electronic devices is common among young people. Most patients that come in with overuse injuries are in their mid-20s, Madore said in an email.
These injuries were previously typically developed over time from work-related actions such as typing or operating machinery and it is important for young people to understand that too much continuous texting or game play can lead to physical problems, Madore said in the release.
Madore explained that common injuries from overuse of cell phones and gaming devices involve the thumb, which can limit the use of the hand.
“In my opinion, the worst devices would be the video-gaming systems,” Madore said in the email. She explained that the controllers for those gaming devices are designed to encourage wrist flexion and the buttons force repetitive use of the thumb in all directions.
How bad can it get?
“I had one patient that came to me for carpal tunnel symptoms; she admitted that she is often on her phone or laptop and tablet, and upon further evaluation I found that she had nerve impingement up to her neck from her poor posture,” Madore said.
Madore suggests taking frequent breaks when using electronic devices because hours of continuous use can take a toll on joints in the hand, elbow, forearm, shoulders and neck. She also recommends changing positions frequently and using light pressure when operating any device.
“If you notice any pain or stiffness, you should stop immediately and rest your hands,” Madore said in the news release. “If the pain continues, you should take a break from all devices for a few days,” she said.
If pain continues even after a break from use, medical treatment may be required to prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines, bracing of the affected areas, or physical and occupational therapy, according to Madore.
Madore said she is careful with how she uses her own electronic devices.
“I am aware of how common these issues are, so I take [preventive] measures to avoid problems,” she explained. “I try to be more aware of how I hold onto devices; a neutral position is the best position for your wrist.”
A neutral wrist position means the wrist is straight, not bent backwards or down, and there is no force on it, according to Madore.
“If you are using something like a laptop or tablet, you should place several pillows on your lap to rest your arms on. Ideally, the screen should be at eye level. This will allow for a more neutral neck position by not having to look down significantly,” she said in the release.
She also recommends sitting in a chair with good back support when using any device. “Positions that could cause injuries include slouching on the couch, looking down into your lap and holding the device or game controller close to your body,” she explained.
But in the end, it’s all about moderation.
“It is important to not use these devices constantly; I see it all the time, a group of people at a restaurant and everyone has their nose in their phone or table when it isn’t likely a necessity at that point,” Madore said in the email.
Chestnut Commons Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, located at 107 E. Chestnut St., is the rehabilitation center of Rome Memorial Hospital. Chestnut Commons is one of the largest outpatient rehabilitation centers in the area, according to its website.
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