Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA few simple stretches can ease thumb and wrist pain (Getty/iStock)The term 'texting thumb' encompasses various phone-related pains, including stiffness, throbbing, and clicking sensations in the thumb, which can escalate to more severe conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis if left untreated. Modern smartphones are larger and heavier, and their prolonged use for activities beyond calls and texts, such as 'doomscrolling' or watching media, contributes to sustained strain on hands and wrists. To alleviate pain, experts recommend limiting phone time, taking frequent breaks, varying hand positions, switching hands for typing, and utilising accessibility features like voice-to-text or enlarged text. Accessories such as circle and ring-shaped grips can help distribute phone weight more evenly across the hand, and daily hand stretches, including wrist flexes and thumb circles, are advised to ease discomfort. If pain, numbness, or tingling persists despite self-care measures, or if symptoms suggest conditions like De Quervain's tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel, or trigger thumb, medical consultation is recommended. In fullDo you have ‘texting thumb’? Here’s how to soothe itMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
What is ‘texting thumb’ and how do you avoid it?
Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA few simple stretches can ease thumb and wrist pain (Getty/iStock)The term 'texting thumb' encompasses various phone-related pains, including stiffness, throbbing, and clicking sensations in the thumb, which can escalate to more severe conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis if left untreated. Modern smartphones are larger and heavier, and their prolonged use for activities beyond calls and texts, such as 'doomscrolling' or watching media, contributes to sustained strain on hands and wrists. To alleviate pain, experts recommend limiting phone time, taking frequent breaks, varying hand positions, switching hands for typing, and utilising accessibility features like voice-to-text or enlarged text. Accessories such as circle and ring-shaped grips can help distribute phone weight more evenly across the hand, and daily hand stretches, including wrist flexes and thumb circles, are advised to ease discomfort. If pain, numbness, or tingling persists despite self-care measures, or if symptoms suggest conditions like De Quervain's tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel, or trigger thumb, medical consultation is recommended. In fullDo you have ‘texting thumb’? Here’s how to soothe itMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
