Finding Relief from “BlackBerry Thumb”

Too much texting on the tiny keys of a personal digital assistant (PDA) can leave your thumbs and hands sore, swollen, or numb. Thumbs—the least dexterous of our digits—are not designed for the fast, repetitive, and limited range of movements needed in typing. But these strategies can help:

• To reduce stress, type with the PDA on a pillow or other support in your lap to keep wrists more upright.
• Make messages brief.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Use other fingers to type.
• Stretch hands periodically.