As if the mighty Apple didn't have enough publicity for its products, it now has the added free exposure generated by a brand new medical condition bearing the name of its famed music player: iPod finger.
According to reports, the problem -- which allegedly leads to a painful index finger -- is caused by frequent use of the gadget's small buttons.
It has already hit the US and, according to the British Chiropractic Society, could become the most common form of repetitive strain injury in other countries too.
Publicity stunt or not, if other conditions such as texter's thumb are anything to go by, you can probably hurt yourself by fiddling with your iPod too much. And although not in the same life-threatening league as bird flu, this new condition is just one in a long line of unnecessary ailments resulting from our modern, hi-tech way of life.
Here is a guide to some of the most common:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Working with computers is not the only way you can end up with this condition; arthritis, hypothyroidism and pregnancy can trigger it too. It causes pain, tingling and numbness of the palm of the hand, the thumb, index and middle fingers, due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. These symptoms often initially appear at night but as the condition worsens they encroach on the day too, and can eventually result in a loss of grip. In the early stages, anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen) can help, along with night-time wrist splints. Some people also benefit from a steroid injection into the joint but many need decompression surgery performed under local anaesthetic. Keyboard wrist rests can help prevent it, as can stretching exercises and frequent rest breaks.
Tennis elbow
Not exclusive to racket sport enthusiasts but in fact more often seen in middle-aged DIY fans who have overdone it over a holiday weekend. It's caused by overuse of the muscles of the forearm -- which are involved in lifting and twisting movements -- resulting in tiny tears in their tendons. The resultant pain often begins gradually but can become severe enough to make something as simple as turning a door handle an unpleasant experience. Thankfully, for many people the symptoms go within 12 weeks and 80 percent have settled within a year. Various treatments can help, including: paracetamol, anti- inflammatory drugs and creams, elbow supports (available from sports shops), physiotherapy and steroid injections.
Back pain
Caused by anything from osteoarthritis to a slipped disc. But poor posture while sitting at computer work stations is one of the more common culprits as it increases the strain on spinal muscles, discs and ligaments. Most pain of this sort will clear up within six weeks and can be alleviated by over the counter treatments such as paracetamol and, again, anti-inflammatory pills and creams. If the pain persists you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist. The most important step is to address your posture at work. Sit straight in a chair which supports your lower back with your elbows at 90 degrees and your forearms comfortably horizontal to the desk. Also take regular breaks away from your computer screen.
Pilonidal sinus
This condition is classic revenge for our sedentary lifestyles as it only affects those who spend a lot of time on their backsides. The sinus in question is a small tunnel in the skin between your buttocks which -- if it becomes blocked with hairs or dead skin -- can develop into a large abscess. Antibiotics rarely work and a trip to hospital is usually warranted so that some kind soul can stick a knife in it and drain the pus. Further surgery to excise the sinus may then be planned.
iPod finger
If you want an iPod for Christmas and are worried about the possible consequences, perhaps you should heed the advice of the American Society of Hand Therapists: keep your wrist straight, take a break every hour, switch hands regularly and place pillows in your lap to rest your arms on. You won't look cool with your new toy but at least your finger might survive until the New Year.
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