Your thumb joint hurts when you scroll primarily due to an inflammation of the tendon in your thumb, often referred to as "texting thumb".
Understanding the Mechanism
According to Tsai, the repeated action of scrolling causes your thumb tendon to rub against the tunnel surrounding it. This continuous friction leads to:
- Inflammation: The tendon becomes inflamed due to the repetitive rubbing.
- Pain: This inflammation results in pain, especially around the thumb knuckle.
- Clicking: You might also experience a clicking sensation when you bend your thumb.
How Scrolling Affects Your Thumb
The constant motion of scrolling places repetitive stress on your thumb's tendons. This is similar to how overuse injuries occur in other parts of the body. Here's a summary:
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tendon Inflammation | The tendon rubs excessively against its surrounding tunnel. |
| Localized Pain | Inflammation causes pain around the thumb knuckle. |
| Possible Clicking | Some individuals may feel or hear a clicking noise as they move their thumb joint. |
Addressing the Pain
While we can't offer medical advice, some typical suggestions include:
- Rest: Reducing the use of your thumb can help reduce inflammation.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help with the pain.
- Consult a Professional: If the pain persists, seek advice from a medical professional.
By understanding why your thumb joint hurts when you scroll, you can take the appropriate measures to ease discomfort and prevent future pain.
