The way you hold your smartphone or tablet can lead to pain and inflammation in your pinkie and thumb, a condition often referred to as “smartphone finger.” It can also strain your wrists and arms, leading to more serious issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dangers of Holding Your Smartphone Incorrectly
Holding your phone with your pinkie finger underneath and your wrist bent inward puts pressure on the ulnar nerve, which runs through your forearm and hand. This can cause discomfort and even pain.
A 2017 study found that extended smartphone use is linked to a higher likelihood of developing painful wrist and hand conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when repeated pressure on the wrist compresses the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakened grip strength.
How to Protect Your Hands
To avoid hand injuries caused by excessive phone use, it’s important to:
- Maintain a neutral wrist position: Avoid bending your wrist inward while holding your phone.
- Take regular breaks: Give your hands and wrists time to rest.
- Choose a phone that fits your hand comfortably: A smaller phone may be easier to hold without straining your hand.
- Use hands-free options: Consider using voice commands or phone calls instead of texting.
- Be mindful of phone accessories: If you use a phone case with an attachment, avoid resting your phone’s weight entirely on one spot.
By being aware of how you hold your phone and making small adjustments, you can reduce the risk of developing painful hand and wrist conditions.