Repetitive Strain Thumb Pain

Mouse use, keyboard activity, use of PDAs and cell-phone texting can all be causes of thumb pain. DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tendon or tendon sheath at the base of the thumb where it connects to the wrist. The tendons that pull the thumb away from the fingers (into the "hitch-hiking" position) become inflamed and irritated as they pass beneath the ligament that holds the tendons to the bone at the wrist.

Symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis Include:

  • Pain at the base of the thumb. As the injury becomes worse, the pain may travel up the forearm or down the thumb.
  • Swelling at the base of the thumb.
  • Increased pain with such activities such as wringing motions of the wrist, unscrewing a jar lid, opening a car door, turning a key, or buttoning a shirt.
  • Increased pain with pinch, grasping, or other thumb movements.
  • Increased pain with pouring type motions, holding plastic grocery bags, or hammering type motions that pull the wrist down towards the small finger side of the hand.
  • Clumsiness and dropping objects when pain causes grip to be insecure.
Causes of DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis Include:
  • Activities requiring wringing motions of the wrist.
  • Repetitive activities that move the wrist in the direction of the small finger, especially with grip (for example, pouring from a pitcher or using a hammer) or if the thumb is held in the palm of the hand (using a buffing or grinding machine).
  • Holding the thumb rigidly in the hitch-hiking position (for example, when held tensely off the keyboard while typing).
Preventing DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis:
  • Work with the wrist in a neutral position. The wrist should not be bent forward or back or tilted to one side or the other.
  • Use ergonomically designed tools with modified handles that help maintain the wrist in a neutral position if they are available. The split keyboard can help position the wrist in a more comfortable, less stressful position.
  • Avoid holding the thumb in the palm of the hand while bending the wrist towards the palm or towards the small finger side of the hand.
  • Minimize repetition.
    • Periodically rest the arms briefly during repetitive or stressful activity.
    • Stretch often during repetitive activity.
    • Slow down the activity.
  • Use the lightest grip possible (on tools, pens, the mouse, the steering wheel, etc.) that still allows you to maintain good control.
  • Use the least amount of force necessary during the activity.
  • Alternate work activities so the hands are not performing any one task repetitively for any length of time.
  • Use the shoulder to provide movement instead of using isolated wrist movements (for example, while fastening nuts and bolts or when holding the computer mouse).
  • Use a power grip when possible (for example, holding an object with all the fingers in a loose grip) instead of using a pinch.
  • Use the appropriate tool for the job.
  • Make sure that tools are in good condition and that cutting edges are sharp (reduces the force needed to use the tool).
  • Use power tools (such as an electric screwdriver) when possible.
  • Use tools that provide leverage.
  • Work in the mid-range of motion. Don't move the wrist through extreme ranges of motion.

The Xtensor is a device that helps to reduce or eliminate pain associated with overuse injury. To maintain a healthy, normal balance, The Xtensor conditions the Finger Extensor Muscles and increases their ability to handle the stress placed on them during the daily activities that contributed to the problem in the first place. The Xtensor works quickly to develop the Strength and Endurance of the Finger Extensor Muscles providing the necessary stabilizing effects to reduce the risk of Tendonitis in the Wrists and Elbows.

The Xtensor is the first product able to precisely target and strengthen the Finger Extensor Muscles while also providing a full, natural path of motion necessary for stimulating the muscles in the elbow. Using The Xtensor strengthens muscles virtually off limits to all other devices. The most well known repetitive strain injury is Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is common among guitarists as well as assembly line workers but relatively rare among computer users: computer-related arm pain is generally caused by another specific condition.