Warning: The Dark Side of Smartphone Use: How Your Obsession with Your Phone is Damaging Your Hands and Wrists

Dr. Huynh Hoang Anh, a specialist at the Department of Rehabilitation at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, has warned that excessive use of smartphones with repetitive movements can lead to pain and damage in the thumb and little finger, as well as joint problems in the wrist.

According to Dr. Anh, positions such as bending the wrist, using the little finger as support, and sliding with the thumb when using smartphones can cause various bone and joint issues in the hands. Tendons in the thumb help bend or straighten fingers, and repetitive movements like scrolling through social media or typing on a phone can lead to fatigue and tendon damage. This can result in pain and stiffness in the thumb and little finger.

Furthermore, carpal tunnel syndrome can develop from holding a phone in a bent position for an extended period, putting pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, reducing grip strength and wrist mobility. Elbow pain may also occur from bending the elbow at an angle greater than 90 degrees while using a smartphone, which increases pressure on the ulnar nerve.

In severe cases of bone and joint damage from prolonged smartphone use, surgical treatment may be necessary. Resting your hands for an extended period and limiting finger movement are also effective ways to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage. To avoid injury altogether, it is recommended to limit continuous phone use by taking breaks every hour or so. Additionally, using larger buttons on your phone instead of small ones will help prevent strain on your fingers.

Finally, it’s essential to be mindful of how you hold your phone while using it sideways or texting with a smartwatch instead of directly pointing it towards your fingers will reduce strain on your hands and wrists.

In conclusion, excessive smartphone use can have adverse effects on our hands’ health; therefore it is crucial to be aware of these risks before they become more serious health issues that require medical attention.