ASHT Issues National Consumer Education Alert: Heavy Use of Handheld Electronics Such as BlackBerry, iPod Can Lead to Hand Ailments

Professional Hand Therapists Offer Tips to Prevent Injuries Caused by Extended Use of Popular Portable Electronics

The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) today issued a national consumer education alert for handheld electronics users to avoid the onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other ailments that may be caused by heavy use of these devices. The hand society also released a specially designed list of usage guidelines and exercises to help portable electronics devotees avoid painful hand and arm injuries now and in years to come. ASHT is dedicated to representing hand therapists across the U.S. and in many countries throughout the world.

"Handheld electronics may require prolonged grips, repetitive motion on small buttons and awkward wrist movements. This combination can lead to hand, wrist and arm ailments such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and tendonitis," said ASHT President Donna Breger Stanton, MA, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA. "Many handheld electronics users spend hours on their BlackBerries and iPods every day, responding to e-mails and spooling through music lists and address books. These devices are immensely popular and they are getting smaller with even more features, which encourage heavy, extended use. More of the population could suffer hand ailments unless they learn to take preventive measures."

ASHT released professionally designed guidelines to foster healthier use of handheld electronics and portable devices:

--  Use a neutral grip when holding the device.  A neutral grip is when
    the wrist is straight, not bent in either direction (not strong or weak).
    It will allow for wrist motion in a plane where more motion is available in
    the wrist.
--  Take a break every hour or switch to another activity.  Overuse of
    repetitive motions, such as pressing buttons, can cause tendonitis of the
    elbow or lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (tendon or nerve irritation).
--  If possible, place pillows in your lap and rest arms on pillows.  This
    will allow you to keep your head in a more upright position and therefore
    decrease neck strain. The pillows will help support the arms so they do not
    have to be held up in the air.
--  Sit in an appropriate chair.  This would be a chair that allows you to
    comfortably put your feet on the floor and also provides good back support.
--  Switch hands frequently. This will allow the one hand to rest and
    reduce fatigue.
--  Frequently focus on a distant object (away from the screen) to help
    reduce eye fatigue.
    

"Watch your posture," said Breger Stanton. "People may strain their elbows and wrists by leaning or slouching for a long period of time while working on their BlackBerries. If you are feeling discomfort or lack of circulation in your arms and hands while working with a handheld device, you could be laying the groundwork for more pain in the future."

In addition to following healthy usage guidelines, ASHT recommends performing the following hand and wrist exercises to reduce the risk of injuries when using handheld electronics:

Note: These exercises should never be painful when completing them. You should only feel a gentle stretch. Should you experience pain, please consult a hand therapist or physician.

--  Fold your hands together and turn your palms away from your body as
    you extend your arms forward. You should feel a stretch all the way from
    your shoulders to your fingers. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.
--  Fold your hands together and turn your palms away from your body, but
    this time extend your arms overhead. You should feel the stretch in your
    upper torso and shoulders to hand. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight
    times.
--  Place your hand just above the back of the elbow and gently push your
    elbow across your chest toward the opposite shoulder. This is a stretch for
    the upper back and shoulder. Stretch both the right and left arms.  Hold
    for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.
--  Raise one arm overhead. Bend the elbow. Place the opposite hand on the
    bent elbow and gently push the elbow back further. This is a stretch for
    the triceps (muscle on the back of the upper arm). Stretch both the right
    and left arms. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat eight times.
--  Extend an arm in front of you, making sure the elbow is completely
    straight. With your palm down, take the opposite hand and bend the hand
    down toward the floor. Then turn the palm up, and stretch the hand up
    toward your body. This stretches the forearm and wrist muscles. Hold for 10
    seconds and repeat eight times.
--  Open up hands and spread the fingers are far as possible. Hold for 10
    seconds and repeat eight times.
    

"We are giving our thumbs, wrists and elbows a real workout with heavy use of handheld electronics like BlackBerries and iPods. It's important to warm up properly to reduce the risk of injury just like you would for any exercise routine," said Breger Stanton.

"Listen to your hands and arms when using these devices," said Breger Stanton. "Stiffness, discomfort and soreness is telling you to change your routine. You can make simple changes and be much more comfortable and healthier as you use handheld electronics."

For more information about hand injury prevention techniques or to find a professional hand therapist in your area, visit www.asht.org.

The American Society of Hand Therapists is a not-for-profit organization seeking to advance the specialty of hand therapy through communication, education, research and the establishment of clinical standards. ASHT's 3,000 members in the United States, Canada and around the world strive to be recognized leaders in the hand therapy profession. For more information about hand therapy or to find a hand therapist in your area, visit www.asht.org.

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