Addiction to scrolling on smartphones can cause a variety of orthopaedic diseases like tech neck or carpel tunnel syndrome. Sharing this hypothesis, another disease has been making the rounds in health journalism, termed as ‘trigger finger.’ Apparently, too much scrolling can cause your hand to stiffen up making finger movement difficult. To understand more about this condition, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Preshith Gaddam, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
What Is Trigger Finger?
To help people self-diagnose before seeking a specialist, Dr Gaddam advised, “Trigger finger affects the tendons, a tissue that allows you to bend and straighten your fingers. You may experience a locking or catching sensation, and your thumb and fingers may also experience discomfort and stiffness.”
Also Read: Addicted To Smartphones? Learn Its Signs & Tips To Overcome It
If you use your smartphones excessively, it can put undue strain on your hand's anatomy, as your fingers undergo unprecedented and unnatural wear and tear due to excessive scrolling. “Tendons are encased in a protective sheath, allowing for smooth mobility. Sometimes, swelling and inflammation can impact the tendon's sheath as well as the tendon itself. The tendon's natural mobility may be hampered by thickening and scar tissue that develops as a result of ongoing tendon sheath irritation. As a result, the inflamed tendon may move through a constricted sheath when you flex your finger or thumb, which may generate a cracking or popping feeling,” explained Dr Gaddam.
Trigger Finger Treatment
The treatment for the trigger finger differs based on how severe and how long you have been suffering from it, shared Dr Gaddam. “Initially physiotherapy will help but in cases where there is no improvement minor surgery is indicated,” he added. Explaining the treatment process in detail, he listed:
- Medications: Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are typically prescribed for this condition by an orthopaedic doctor.
- Take Rest: Till your symptoms get better, stay away from occupations that call for constant grabbing, repeated gripping, or continuous usage of handheld equipment. Padded gloves might provide some protection if you're unable to completely avoid these activities.
- Using A Splint: A splint is a device that is used to immobilise an injury or a joint. This device is easily available in the market, and can also be prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Stretching: You can retain finger mobility by performing gentle exercises that engage your affected fingers.
- Steroids: Prescribed in serious situations, steroids can help your tendon sheath to become less inflamed.
- Surgery: The restricted tendon sheath can be opened by a surgeon using a little incision close to the base of the affected finger. The name of the surgery is incision and release.
In conclusion, the trigger finger does not seem like a serious, life-altering medical issue. But, it can worsen your quality of life and your hand mobility if not treated on time. While treating this condition seems fairly simple, medical procedures do take precious time and money, and it's best if you curb your smartphone usage and prevent this disease.