Modern repetitive stress injuries

Everyone knows how repetitive stress injuries can be caused by computers. Did you know they can also be caused by iPods and Blackberrys?

The American Society of Hand Therapists has issued an alert to users of the increasingly popular hand-held gadgets to beware of overuse injuries.

“Hand-held electonics may require prolonged grips, repetive motion on small buttons and awkward wrist movements,” according to ASHT president Donna Breger Stanton.

Dr. Anne Ouellette, chief of hand services at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial, said, “The key to Blackberry Thumb and iPod Finger is to break up the activity and do some stretching so the finger isn’t held rigidly in one spot.”