Posted on 7th Oct 2011 @ 2:46 PM

When personal computers became a must-have household (and office) item, the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome skyrocketed. Fast forward to the 21st century, where a similar phenomenon is taking place with handheld digital devices.

People are using their cell phones, smartphones, digital music players, and other similar devices to text, play games, and surf the Web. Millions of Americans spend hours using their thumbs to operate these devices, which aren’t exactly ergonomic. If you’re a “user” who is starting to feel some pain and discomfort, you may have a condition that’s likely to become a household name in a few years.

The ailment is called De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Named after the Swiss surgeon who first identified the condition way back in 1895, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (which is pronounced duh-kare-VAHS TEN-o-SYE-no-VYE-tis) is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, in that it develops from overuse of joints and muscles in the hands. However, the pain associated with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is focused on the thumb and the part of the wrist which connects to it.

There are two tendons which run down the length of the forearm, past the wrist, and into the thumb. With De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, the slippery sheaths surrounding the tendons become inflamed and hinder the tendons' movements.

In the old days, this problem was found in musicians, carpenters, or knitters. But today, individuals who text with their thumbs are becoming the most common class of patients suffering from De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Like carpal tunnel syndrome, the only relief for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis comes from treating its symptoms and limiting or eliminating the activities which cause it (like texting).

The symptoms of this condition include pain and/or swelling near the base of the thumb and sometimes the emergence of a cyst filled with fluid in the same area. The pain is exacerbated by movements which involving pinching, grasping, or bending the thumbs. Sufferers also may note a "sticking" sensation or a "squeaking" sound when moving the thumb back and forth.

If you think you might be afflicted with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, the first step is to cut back on the amount of texting (and similar activities) that you do. To reduce the pain, you should apply ice to the affected region and take over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen. If the pain persists, you should make an appointment with your physician, who can prescribe corticosteroid medications or other more powerful drugs. He or she may also tell you to wear a splint or brace on your wrist to help immobilize the affected tendons.

You may also be given a physical therapy regimen -- to be performed on your own or with the aid of a health care professional. In severe cases, outpatient surgery may be recommended.

The prevalence of handheld devices doesn't appear to be abating, so doctors can expect to see more cases of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in people of all ages. But a little knowledge and a few preventive measures can help reduce the odds of being stricken with this painful condition. The easiest way to avoid it? Put down the smartphone.