Phone use, thumb pain, hand swelling, & more!
Buckle up and get ready for my answers to 3 juicy questions asked by….YOU!!!
Yesterday I put up a Q&A box on instagram. (if you aren’t following me, you should be. I hang out there the most out of any other social media platforms)
I chose questions to answer that came up multiple times ~ are you ready???
Let’s jump right in!
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ONE ~ The question: My thumb always hurts during/after scrolling or texting. What can be done?
My answer: Such a common issue. I like to take multiple approaches.
First - your setup. If you’re constantly holding your phone in the same position while scrolling or texting, it’s time to switch it up.
Consider getting a phone stand like this one (I love using it at my desk, table, even on the sofa or in bed - I sit on the base and the gooseneck part comes up between my legs and my phone is at the *perfect* height for engaging with it).
Several of my clients inside Hypermobile Hands Blueprint have shared they absolutely love this tablet pillow - if you use your phone or iPad in bed, this was made for you!
Second - your phone itself. Do you have something on your phone that makes it more of an ergonomic grip?
Some popular options include pop sockets, cases with a strap built in for your fingers/hand (e.g. love handle or loopy case), and phone straps that attach directly to your current case.
It’s important your hand doesn’t have to do a sustained tight grip on your phone as you use it - and these types of phone external attachments can certainly help lessen how much you have to grip and hold your phone.
Thirdly, let’s consider different types of supports you could add in to wear on your hand/thumb to make the joints less strained.
My go-tos are the low profile thumb supports such as…
The push metagrip (perfect for CMC arthritis and/or hypermobility)
Comfort cool thumb braces
Kinesiotape (here’s my favorite tutorial in under 1 minute)
Silicone thumb supports
TWO ~ The question: How do I know what ring splints to get and where do I get them?
My answer: I wrote a blog article about how to get ring splints, if they can be covered by insurance, and more. Click here to read it 🤗
As far as knowing which ring splints to get, it can be pretty complex to get into all the different types and uses of ring splints. That’s why I include 9 ring splint video trainings inside Hypermobile Hands Blueprint - it’s like a show-and-tell format of the different types of ring splints. We would love to have you inside HHB 💛
THREE ~ The question: How to help with inflammation in my hands due to blood pooling or swelling?
My answer: There are 3 things that can greatly help in decreasing inflammation in your hands:
Look at your hand position throughout the day. Chances are, if you have chronic swelling in your hands, your hands are lower than your heart most days. While it’s not feasible to keep your hands above your heart all day every day, because we have to engage with the world around us - try to work in times where you CAN elevate your hands. Maybe this means at night you fall asleep with them on your chest, or perhaps while you watch your favorite TV episode you prop your hands on pillows. Maybe during a work break you hold your hands above your heart and do a few hand exercises. Which leads me perfectly to the next tip…
Consistent hand exercises (ideally in an elevated position) can help move the fluid out of your hands and back into your lymphatic system. Prop your elbows on a table or desk, hold your hands up, and gently open and close your hands 10 times. Do this as much as you can throughout your day.
Finally, COMPRESSION GLOVES!!! These in particular are my jam because of the soft fabric and beautiful colors (use code ‘CORINNE10’ at checkout for 10% off!)
WHEW!! This was fun.
If you’d like more tips for decreasing your hand pain, tune into my most popular (and totally free) masterclass, How to Decrease Your Hand Pain WITHOUT Surgery, Excessive Therapy, or the Dreaded Metal Bar Brace. Your hands will thank you, I promise <3