Beating "Blackberry Thumb"

Volume 2, Number 10

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are everywhere in today’s business world. Hand-held electronic devices allow millions of Americans to check and compose e-mail, access the Internet, exchange instant messages, and manage their daily schedules. PDAs are often equipped with a miniaturized QWERTY-style keypad, which allows users to type with the thumbs. The thumb is not designed for the repetitive movements involved in typing, especially isolated movements as are used with these devices. Injuries related to overuse of the thumbs include aggravation of arthritis and/or thumb extensor tendonitis called deQuervain’s Disease. The term "BlackBerry Thumb" has recently been coined to describe injuries related to PDA use and the thumb. The following are a few steps you can take to prevent these injuries when using your BlackBerry™.

Synchronize and work from a computer

Use a docking station or wireless network to synchronize with a computer. This feature will allow you to reconcile e-mail messages, folders, contacts, and other information to your desktop computer and vice-versa. An appropriately arranged computer workstation can be used for longer periods than a PDA with less discomfort.

Reduce keystrokes using the AutoText feature

Users can create AutoText entries, allowing them to type a much shorter string of characters for common phrases. Once an AutoText entry is created, the desired phrase will be substituted any time the AutoText entry is typed. For example, a user might create an AutoText entry that replaces ttyl with talk to you later or slm with see last mail.

Use an external keyboard

The CoolMIR external keyboard attaches through the BlackBerry’s USB port. It is flexible and can be rolled up to fit in the user’s pocket. Using this nearly full-sized keyboard for longer e-mails and documents will decrease the demands placed on the thumbs. www.man-machine.com/coolmir.htm

Type with your fingers

Place the BlackBerry™ on a work surface and type with your fingers. Alternating between the two typing styles may help prevent the onset of symptoms.

Take a break and stretch

Pay attention to your body. It can take only a few minutes of heavy thumb typing to cause damage. Before you begin to feel discomfort or fatigue, take a break, stretch, and work on something else for a few minutes. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends the following simple stretches:

• Tap each finger with the thumb of the same hand. Repeat 5 times.
• Alternate tapping of the palm of your hand and the back of your hand against your thigh as quickly as you can. Repeat 20 times.
• Open up your hands and spread fingers as far apart as possible. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times.
• Fold your hands together; turn your palms away from your body as you extend your arms forward. You should only feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times.
• Fold your hands together; turn your palms away from your body and extend your arms overhead. You should feel the stretch in your upper torso and shoulders, to the hands. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 8 times.

Another resource with information on stretching is Stretches for Office Workers (SCIF #17126), a State Fund publication, available through your Loss Control Consultant or by calling your local Regional Office. Stretching can help relieve discomfort and fatigue at the workstation or when using a BlackBerry™.

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The information herein is for reference only and State Fund does not warranty its accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Any products, references, or links to Web sites are not an endorsement by State Fund or its employees, but serve only as examples to assist you with your workplace design changes. State Fund cannot be held liable or accountable for content on linked Web sites.