Gamer’s Thumb

For those going back to school or have a job that requires typing and being on a computer or iPad, you may experience Gamer’s Thumb (De Quervain’s Tendinitis) as it is becoming more popular of a disorder due to people always being on their phone or typing in class or at work.

Gamer’s Thumb is exactly what it sounds like; pain associated with too much typing, texting, gaming or anything that puts repetitive strain on the thumb and wrist such as texting, typing and tapping with a stylus. The symptoms include localized pain and tenderness, swelling of the wrist, hard time flexing the thumb, pain when moving the wrist from side to side and inability to grasp or pinch with the thumb or hand.¹

Women are 9 times more likely to fall victim to this than men and people over the age of 40 years old experience this more commonly than not.² This could be due to a person being in a position where the hand and arm are in an awkward position or being involved in certain activities such as golfing and baseball where you are constantly moving your wrist and hand.

Gamer’s Thumb is a form of tendonitis or tenosynovitis disorder which in both cases means that the area is irritated, swollen and inflamed. It can be easily avoided by keeping your wrists straight while holding the object, maintain correct posture during the activity and use back supports if need be and allow yourself to take breaks every 20 minutes from the activity so you are able to get up and move around and stretch.

If nothing is done to prevent or take care of Gamer’s Thumb, it could lead to permanent damage, loss of strength/motion and constant pain. You don’t have to rid yourself of the gaming or activity completely but allowing yourself to take those breaks will help the pain and put you at less risk of having the permanent damage. Ice is also recommended for 10-15 minutes to help the pain and swelling for quick relief, but do remember this is only a short-term fix. Getting enough exercise will also help your muscles from being weakened and decrease the risk of getting Gamer’s Thumb.

Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists are also able to help with this disorder. If you are diagnosed with Gamer’s Thumb, your therapist will have you go through and review your work, personal and everyday activities to see what could be causing the issue. After reviewing the activities, the therapist may provide you with a splint to help position your wrist and thumb and compress the pain. Iontophoresis is sometimes used to help with the pain. Iontophoresis is an electrical stimulation that helps to reduce your pain.¹

Have a fantastic day!

Melissa Weisenberger, B.S.

Executive Assistant
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Melissa Weisenberger graduated from St. Cloud State University (SCSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and minors in Human Resources, Marketing and Psychology. She is passionate about the Physical Therapy world and strives to help individuals get back to the living they deserve and doing the things they love. In her personal life, Melissa loves to be outdoors, fishing, going on road trips and staying active.

References
¹Adams, Chris. “What Is Gamer’s Thumb?” ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-gamers-thumb-1205946 Accessed 30 August 2017
²Zane, Mary Kay, PT. “De Quervain’s Tendinitis.” American Physical Therapy Association. 17 Sept. 2014. Accessed 30 August 2017 http://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=ebd62d91-06b9-412e-adca-3007d0fbc4a1