In this world of automation, it has become very hard for the people to stay away from the technology especially for the new generation whether its about working whole day on the computers and laptops or using mobile phones for communication purposes or may be entertaining ourselves with technology by playing video games.
So when we are talking about technology, it always has a bad perspective as well. Now the one thing that would be coming to your mind is the damaging effect which the technology is bringing with itself.
Today here we are talking about the Gamers Thumb which maybe you have heard before. Gamers Thumb is another popular name which has been given to the problem of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
It is basically a stress damage caused to the tendons of the base of your thumb due to the inflammation. This inflammation arises due to the continued movement of your thumb while gaming or texting.
How does it affect your thumb?
When you have the problem of Gamers Thumb then you will start feeling some sensation like locking, clicking, popping or catching around your thumb whenever you move it.
So, there will be pain after the texting or gaming session. Even there could be some swelling near the base of your thumb which arises due to crack in tendon sheath.
Sometimes the pain becomes so worse that it travels to your arm and then your arm starts to hurt. Further, it restricts your thumb movements which mean you would not be able to move your thumb due to this pain.
As a result you are no longer playing video games, working on your keyboard, texting on your mobile phone, playing sports or even carrying your baby as the pain will worsen your condition and you will not be able to complete even your routine tasks.
Sadly the continued gaming and texting have lasting effects on your thumb if the Gamers Thumb if it is not treated on time.
To get rid of this, you need to break the continuation of the movement of the thumb. Further, you can also do some stretching exercises in between if you start feeling some kind of stress on the base of your thumb just to avoid the long lasting pain.
Gamer’s Thumb Treatment:
There are many ways by which your Gamers Thumb can be fixed. Here, firstly you can choose to rest. When you rest your thumb for a few hours, then the tissues of the tendon sheath start fixing it which ultimately gives you relief from your pain.
Resting will only work if there is a mild pain. If that doesn’t gives you relief that you are definitely needed to check out some other Gamers Thumb Treatment options which are as as follows:
You can visit a Physiotherapist who will first diagnose your problem to know exactly from where the pain is coming. Then he will suggest you some stretching exercises accordingly.
These exercises will help you in moving your thumb to complete your routine activities. The popular stretching exercise recommended by most physiotherapists is to roll your thumb over your palm till it reaches the fourth finger then take back your thumb in expanded form to make an open hand and repeat twenty to twenty five sets of this exercise in routine.
Then you can have the medication but with the advice of a doctor. The medicines will quickly reduce the inflammation from the tendon sheath on your thumb area which will help you in giving a relief.
If the pain is extreme and you need a sudden relief then you can opt for an injection also. For this you need to visit a Medical Officer who will insert the Corticosteroid Injection on your pain area in a skillful manner. So you will have the instant relief from your pain.
Sometimes, the pain is so bad that the doctor would directly recommend you to go for surgery. In the procedure of surgery, the doctors will release your tendon sheath so that the tendons could move smoothly and you would have relief from your pain.
Further, it is an outpatient surgery which means you will no longer be required to stay in the hospital so you can go home immediately after your surgery.
Lastly, you can use a gamers splint which will help you in relaxing your thumb. After the long hours of gaming or continue texting on your mobile phone, you need to wear this splint to relax your hand.
Conclusion:
As we already know the fact that it could not be possible for us to live without technology. The use of the technology can be reduced but it could not be eliminated completely. Gamers Thumb is one of the ill effects of the usage of technology which could be prevented if we try to reduce the gaming or texting continuously.
