COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- As a doctor of physical therapy in both New York and Colorado, Dr. Chris Kaster has seen his share of injuries.

One that's becoming more common? Technology injuries. Specifically, one referred to as Blackberry Thumb. That's not the only one: Guitar Hero Wrist and Cell Phone Elbow are popping up, too.

"The names definitely sound funny and sometimes comical, but the injuries themselves are very serious," Kaster said. "If left untreated, it can definitely cause osteo-arthritis, tendonitis, and chronic pain."

It's not just texting addicts or phone junkies, either. Someone who sends 100 texts a day is a candidate for Blackberry Thumb, and according to Kaster, it could possibly be as severe as carpal tunnel down the line.  Since texting has only been popular for a few years, it's difficult to say exactly how severe the injuries will be, but something he believes shouldn't be ignored.

"We're always going to have carpal tunnel because keyboards are here.  They're not going anywhere," Kaster said. "They can contribute to Blackberry Thumb as well, but any day of the week, I'd still pick a keyboard over a PDA because biomechanically, it's much more efficient."

For McKenzie Wedel, an avid runner and just "average" texter, stretching for a run is imperative.

"I stretch and do different things before I run," Wedel said.  "But not as much for texting. I don't really worry about that," Wedel said.

That's the problem, according to Kaster.

"Pain is your body's way of telling you not ot do something. We tend to push through pain and ignore our body," Kaster said. "That's how things become inflamed.  The more you type, the more prone you are to irritate things and possibly have degenerate changes."

Kaster said stretching your thumbs and fingers is a big step forward in keeping your digits limber.  He also suggests using your index fingers when possible, or at least both thumbs when texting.

For Wedel, the news of hearing texting really can cause problems is surprising, but not enough to change her daily 50-60 texts habits too much.

"I was a little bit shocked because I didn't really expect it to come down to arthritis, but if you're texting that much and using your joints, and stuff that much," Wedel said.  "Then I guess it's possible."