BlackBerry Thumb is a catch-all name applied to a painful condition. Numbness and pain in the thumb and joints of the hand are symptoms caused by the repetitive stress of using a BlackBerry device or other handheld wireless PDA's (personal digital assistants). BlackBerry Thumb is a recognized condition and increasingly frequent complaint of people who conduct business on-the-go using mobile communication devices.

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According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), BlackBerry Thumb isn't limited to business people. However, a predominance of PDA users are middle-aged business people and many have arthritis which can be aggravated by BlackBerry Thumb. It's important not to ignore symptoms. See your doctor if symptoms persist. Treatment for BlackBerry Thumb may include a physical therapy consultation, icing, splinting, or a steroid injection. Severe cases may require surgery to remove scar tissue which can thicken the tendons. The APTA offers these Physical Therapist Tips for Handheld Users.

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