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Society is becoming increasingly dependent on electronic devices, such as PDAs, cell phones, and MP3 players. Furthermore, video games encompass 80% of entertainment in American homes today. Each of these devices requires repetitive use of the muscles of the thumb, hand, and wrist, and has been identified as a mechanism for many hand ailments in recent years.
The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) has issued a national consumer education alert for video gamers and handheld electronics users. Prolonged gripping, repetitive manipulation of small buttons, and awkward wrist motions can cause musculoskeletal disorders or repetitive stress injuries. Such repetitive stress injuries can involve the tendons, nerves, and ligaments of the hand and wrist, and can lead to more long-term conditions such as tendonitis and carpel tunnel syndrome.
ASHT has released professionally designed guidelines to foster healthier use of handheld electronics and video games.
- If you have pain during the activity, stop. Pain is one of the ways your body is letting you know that you are overextending a particular muscle group.
- Use a neutral grip when holding the device. A neutral grip is when the wrist is straight, not bent in either direction.
- Take a break every few minutes, or switch to another activity.
- Switch hands frequently and vary the use of the fingers/thumb to reduce fatigue.
In general, sitting in an appropriate chair with the arms supported in the lap will reduce strain on the upper body, neck, and back. Also, be sure to have the screen or monitor at a comfortable height, and remember to look away from the screen frequently to prevent eyestrain.
Maintaining the flexibility of the joints of the hand and wrist is also very helpful in preventing the onset of repetitive stress injuries due to electronic devices. The stretches depicted below can be used to prevent the loss of motion often seen with musculoskeletal disorders.
 Open up hands and spread the fingers as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times. Repeat with the opposite hand.
 Extend an arm in front of you; making sure the elbow is straight. With your palm down, take the opposite hand and bend the hand down toward the floor until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times. Repeat with the opposite arm.
 Again extend an arm in front of you; making sure the elbow is straight. With your palm down, take the opposite hand and bend the hand up toward the ceiling until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times. Repeat with the opposite arm.
These exercises should never be painful when completing them. You should only feel a gentle stretch. If you experience pain, please consult your physician. Persistent pain, especially if accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness, can indicate a more significant problem that can benefit from physical therapy or other interventions.
The Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) at HealthWorks are specially trained in managing pathologies involving the upper extremity, and are available to assist you as needed. Talk with your physician about a referral to HealthWorks if your symptoms persist.
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