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British Doctor Warns of Thumb Injuries From iPod Clickwheel Use

Monday, November 14th, 2005 at 3:30 PM - by Staff

The thumb movement required to manipulate the clickwheel on the iPod is "totally unnatural and effectively separates the joint in the thumb every time you use it," according to Carl Irwin of the British Chiropractic Association. He was quoted in an article at The Scotsman that was referenced by The Unofficial Apple Weblog.

Scotsman reporter Fergus Sheppard wrote that Mr. Irwin expects to see an increase in the number of people affected by repetitive stress injuries because of the iPod's popularity. He recommended that Apple put a health warning on the iPod. The company declined to comment.

Mr. Sheppard also reported that Mr. Irwin's concerns are shared in America, where Donna Stanton of the U.S. Society of Hand Therapists said: "These devices are getting smaller with even more features, which encourage heavy, extended use. More of the population could suffer hand ailments unless they learn to take preventative measures." She noted that carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis are likely problems that could result.

Chiropractors recommend that users hold the iPod with one hand and use a finger on the other hand to spin the click wheel. Shuffle play was also recommended as a way to keep click wheel use down.

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Mon Nov 14, 2005 5:06 pm

british doctor wants some publicity

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