Experiencing finger stiffness or pain after prolonged smartphone use? From staying connected with loved ones to managing work and binge-watching the latest shows, smartphones have become indispensable in our daily lives. However, this increased reliance comes with physical consequences, particularly a rise in smartphone-induced hand injuries.
To shed light on these issues, the Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre, helmed by Dr Jacqueline Tan, a hand and wrist specialist in Singapore, offers insights into the impact of smartphones on your hand health. Keep reading to learn more.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendons in your fingers become irritated and inflamed, causing the fingers to lock or catch when bent, making movements painful and difficult. You may also notice a clicking sensation when bending or straightening your fingers, a common sign of trigger finger. Over time, this condition can lead to finger pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
Thankfully, there are treatments for trigger finger to provide relief. Resting the affected finger and using a splint can ease discomfort from digital device-related hand strain, along with taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and inflammation. In more stubborn cases, corticosteroid injections offer a solution by reducing inflammation and enhancing comfort.
Hand Pain and Discomfort
Smartphone-related hand pain and discomfort are increasingly common complaints among users of all ages. Often referred to as “smartphone thumb” or “texting thumb,” this hand discomfort stems from repetitive motions and awkward hand positions required for device use. As a result, the thumb, heavily involved in typing and scrolling, bears the brunt of this strain, potentially even leading to thumb arthritis.
Additionally, many experience discomfort in their wrists and forearms, with symptoms radiating up to the elbows and shoulders. Even seemingly simple actions, such as prolonged phone holding, especially with one hand, can jeopardise hand health due to muscle fatigue and cramping induced by mobile usage. While incorporating regular breaks and hand stretches can provide relief, it’s essential to be mindful of your smartphone habits, including ergonomics, and to monitor any discomfort in your hands with care.
Nerve-related Injuries
Prolonged smartphone use and engaging in repetitive smartphone activities like texting, swiping, and holding can also contribute to nerve-related injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and mummy’s wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist—becomes inflamed or narrowed, compressing the median nerve and triggering painful symptoms.
Similarly, mummy’s wrist involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling. While often associated with new mothers due to frequent lifting, this condition can also result from the constant scrolling and texting motions which strain these tendons, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Learn more: 3 Long-term Effects of Untreated Hand Injuries
As smartphones continue to play a central role in our lives, it is crucial to prevent hand problems from excessive phone use by taking regular breaks and incorporating hand exercises and stretches into your daily routine. This helps to strike a healthy balance and allows you to enjoy the benefits of modern technology without compromising your well-being. After all, our hands are essential tools for navigating the world, both digital and physical.
Ready to prioritise your hand health? Reach out to Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre to discover more and book an appointment today.
