Smartphone Use and the Hidden Dangers: How Repetitive Movements Can Lead to Hand, Wrist and Joint Problems

Continuous use of smartphones with repetitive movements can lead to pain and damage in the thumb, little finger, and wrist joint. Dr. Huynh Hoang Anh, Department of Rehabilitation at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, explained that using positions like bending the wrist, using the little finger as a support, and gliding with the thumb when using smartphones can result in various bone and joint problems in the hands.

The tendons in the thumb help bend or straighten the finger. Repetitive movements like surfing the phone or texting can cause fatigue and tendon damage, resulting in pain and stiffness. Little finger pain can occur when using it as a support when holding the phone, leading to numbness, pain, stiffness, and clicking sounds in the finger joints.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is another condition that can develop from holding a phone for long periods while bending the wrist. This pressure on the median nerve in the wrist can result in numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. It reduces grip strength and wrist mobility. Elbow pain can also occur from bending the elbow at an angle greater than 90 degrees while using a phone for prolonged periods.

In severe cases of bone and joint damage from prolonged smartphone use surgery may be necessary. However, rest and limiting finger and wrist movement along with over-the-counter pain medication can help prevent further damage or alleviate symptoms. To avoid such issues altogether it is recommended to limit continuous phone use by taking breaks often enough to prevent fatigue; avoid using smaller buttons with one hand only but instead use both hands; hold your phone sideways when composing messages to reduce strain on your hands’ wrists.

Overall it is essential to be mindful of our hand usage habits while utilizing technology regularly as it could have significant effects on our health if not used correctly.