Tenosynovitis caused by texting: an emerging disease

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2010 May;110(5):294-6.

Abstract

De Quervain tenosynovitis is characterized by pain that overlies the radial aspect of the wrist and that is aggravated by ulnar deviation of the hand. The most common cause of de Quervain tenosynovitis is overuse of the thumb musculature. The authors report a case of bilateral de Quervain tenosynovitis observed in a woman aged 48 years at a rural outpatient primary care office. The condition was induced by the patient's excessive use of the text messaging feature on her cellular telephone. Treatment, including naproxen, cock-up wrist splints, and limitation of texting, resulted in complete recovery of the patient. The authors urge physicians to be aware of the potential association between a patient's tenosynovitis symptoms and excessive texting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Cell Phone*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / drug therapy
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / etiology*
  • De Quervain Disease / diagnosis
  • De Quervain Disease / drug therapy
  • De Quervain Disease / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Naproxen / administration & dosage
  • Physical Examination

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Naproxen