At Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, we’re seeing more patients than ever with hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain linked to prolonged phone, tablet, and computer use. Technology has become an essential part of daily life, but for many, it’s also leading to repetitive strain injuries, nerve compression, and joint pain that interfere with work, hobbies, and daily activities.

Henry Leis, MD, a board-certified orthopedic specialist, treats patients from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast—including Harrison County, Jackson County, Stone County, and surrounding areas—at our Biloxi and Gulfport locations. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or weakness in your upper extremities, you may need to see a specialist before the condition worsens.

The Impact of Modern Technology on Hand and Wrist Health

“The way we interact with technology today places repetitive stress on our hands, wrists, and elbows in ways we didn’t see even 20 years ago,” says Dr. Leis. “Many of my patients don’t realize their discomfort is tied directly to how often they’re texting, typing, or gaming.”

Some of the most common technology-related conditions Dr. Leis treats include:

🔹 Texting Thumb (Trigger Thumb) – Overuse of the thumb while texting or scrolling can inflame the tendons, causing pain and stiffness.

🔹 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Frequent keyboard or phone use can compress the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers.

🔹 Gamer’s Wrist (Tendonitis & RSI) – Long hours of gaming or using a mouse can cause tendon inflammation and repetitive strain injuries.

🔹 Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Elbow Nerve Compression) – Leaning on the elbow for extended periods can compress the ulnar nerve, leading to numbness in the ring and pinky fingers.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

While minor aches and pains may be resolved with rest and ergonomic adjustments, certain symptoms indicate a more serious issue that requires medical attention.

Dr. Leis recommends seeing a specialist if you experience:

🔹 Numbness or Tingling in the Fingers – “If your hand frequently falls asleep or you wake up with tingling fingers, that’s a red flag,” says Dr. Leis. “It could be a sign of nerve compression that won’t improve on its own.”

🔹 Persistent Hand, Wrist, or Elbow Pain – Occasional discomfort is normal, but pain that lingers for weeks or worsens over time should be evaluated.

🔹 Weak Grip Strength – If you’re struggling to open jars, hold onto objects, or perform everyday tasks, nerve or tendon damage may be the cause.

🔹 Clicking, Locking, or Swelling – If your fingers or thumb lock in place, click when moving, or swell frequently, it could indicate arthritis, tendonitis, or a repetitive strain injury.

🔹 Difficulty Sleeping Due to Hand or Wrist Pain – Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve conditions often worsen at night due to fluid buildup and nerve compression while sleeping.

🔹 Pain That Radiates from the Elbow to the Hand – “Cubital tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions I see in patients who spend long hours at a desk,” says Dr. Leis. “If you’re feeling numbness in your ring and pinky fingers, don’t ignore it.”

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

At Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists, Dr. Leis offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and restore function, including:

✅ Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release – A small incision and camera-assisted procedure to relieve nerve compression.
✅ Minimally Invasive Cubital Tunnel Release – A precise surgical solution for persistent elbow pain and numbness.
✅ Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff & Labral Repair – A cutting-edge approach for treating shoulder injuries.
✅ Wrist & Small Joint Arthroplasty – Advanced treatments for arthritis-related joint pain and stiffness.

Get Expert Orthopedic Care on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

If you’re experiencing persistent hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Dr. Henry Leis treats patients from Harrison County, Jackson County, Stone County, and beyond at our Biloxi and Gulfport locations. However, Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists serves patients across the entire Gulf Coast region, providing expert orthopedic care in multiple specialties.

📞 Schedule an appointment today by calling (228) 230-2663 or visiting this link to request an appointment online.