Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about workplace woes. We’ve been talking about stress and how that affects your mind and body. But there are other things about work that can affect your body. You’ve heard about carpal tunnel syndrome, which often affects people who spend a lot of time typing on a computer. How about Blackberry thumb?
Dr. Kimberly Mezera, an orthopaedic surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center who specializes in hands, says thumbs aren’t designed to constantly move up and down to scroll on the Blackberry and other wireless communication devices. The little movement can lead to big problems, such as tendonitis. You may notice aching or stiffness in the thumb base, which could travel to the palm or even to the wrist. If you feel sore, take a break and take a pain reliever. If the pain persists, see your doctor.
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July 2007
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