In order to stay connected to work 24/7, many people constantly check their personal digital assistants (or PDAs) such as BlackBerries. Using these devices over a long period of time can lead to repetitive motion injuries.

The problem occurs when gripping the PDA on the palm of the hand between the four fingers and the fatty pad below the thumb, and using the thumb of the same hand to type on the tiny keypad. This can aggravate arthritis and lead to tendonitis of the thumb and other ailments.

The American Physical Therapy Association offers the following tips for preventing injury:

• Take frequent breaks from your PDA. Don't type for more than a few minutes at a time.
• Write fewer and shorter messages. Abbreviate your responses.
• Avoid using the thumb for typing; use the fingers of the other hand instead.
• Stretch the fingers periodically, holding the stretch for 10 seconds, then repeating it 8 times.

[Source: OSHA Compliance Advisor. Subscribe today!]