Question

As video gaming has become increasingly popular, doctors have noticed a rise in thumb-related injuries, particularly among young players. Gaming thumb, medically called 'repetitive strain injury,' develops when players perform the same thumb movements thousands of times without adequate rest. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and sometimes a clicking sensation when moving the thumb. The constant rapid pressing of controller buttons or smartphone screens can inflame the tendons that control thumb movement. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and stretching exercises, though severe cases might require physical therapy. Prevention is simple: take regular breaks, alternate activities, and perform thumb stretches before extended gaming sessions. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to chronic pain that persists even when not gaming.

In this passage, what does 'chronic' most likely mean?

A

Long-lasting or ongoing over a long period of time

B

Temporary and disappearing within a few hours

C

Extremely painful and requiring immediate surgery

D

Contagious and likely to spread to other body parts

Answer 1

A

"Chronic" here means long-lasting or ongoing over a long period of time, as indicated by "persists even when not gaming."