Is your Smartphone or Computer causing you injury?

Upper extremity overuse syndromes are making a comeback with modern day technology. For example, one used to suffer from “DeQuervain’s Tendonitis” with gripping activities during manual labor or when first-time mothers would repeatedly carry their newborn. Pain and swelling of the tendons at the bottom of the thumb would occur as the wrist would be overused and become inflamed. Now, we see DeQuervain’s in many people as an overuse syndrome from using smartphones and texting - same tendons, same inflammation, different activity that caused it. Similarly, too much texting can aggravate any pre-existing arthritis at the base of the thumb (i.e., “basal joint arthritis”), also. Surprisingly, we are not seeing an increased incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome related to smartphones and texting, probably because the main nerve is not being compressed with this type of finger motion.

However, other common computer use habits are bringing back old conditions. Touch screens can cause tendonitis at the tip of the finger if striking the screen too hard, or can also cause finger sprains (i.e., “Mallet Finger”) at the fingertip. Further, frequent use of the computer mouse has resulted in a condition recently coined “Mouse Elbow,” which is an overuse tendonitis at the outer part of the elbow that was previously referred to as “Tennis Elbow.” The muscles of the wrist and forearm that help you grab, click, and maneuver the mouse attach to the lateral elbow and can frequently become inflamed with overuse. We also use these muscles for driving, eating, reaching, etc. so it is difficult to give them the proper rest they need.

Fortunately, all of these “modern day technology” conditions can usually be treated by decreasing the amount of time spent on the activity that caused them, using ice and oral or topical anti-inflammatory medication, sometimes a brace helps in properly positioning your hand or wrist to cause the least amount of irritation, or possibly a cortisone injection. Surgery may be recommended for severe cases that do not go away.

See your local orthopedic surgeon if you believe you need treatment for any of these conditions.

"It felt like someone kicked me!" - The Achilles Tendon Rupture

Kobe Bryant is now 3 months postop from his Achilles tendon repair after he ruptured it toward the end of the NBA season. Surgery was done by my mentors (Doctors Neal ElAttrache and Stephen Lombardo) at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to the heel and helps you point your foot downward and push off as you walk. If stretched too far, the tendon can tear (ie, rupture), causing severe pain in the ankle and lower leg that can make it difficult or even impossible to walk. An Achilles tendon rupture might occur after repeated stress on the tendon and may be partial or complete, depending on the severity of the injury.

Injuries to the Achilles tendon are common and are usually caused by several different factors, including:

• Overuse
• Poor stretching habits
• Tight or weak calf muscles
• Flat feet
• Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
• Engaging in physical activity after a long break

After an Achilles tendon rupture, people often experience severe pain and swelling, and are unable to walk normally or bend their foot. You may hear a pop or snap with the rupture, or you may feel like someone kicked you in the calf. However, these symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as bursitis and tendonitis, so it is important to seek prompt medical attention in order to determine the correct diagnosis of your condition.

Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture depends on the severity of the condition, but often requires surgery to repair the tendon and restore function to the foot. Less severe cases may only require a cast or walking boot for several weeks, although the risk of a recurring rupture is higher. Patients can help prevent an Achilles tendon injury by stretching the tendon and nearby muscles before participating in physical activity.