The potential for hand tendon damage from excessive smartphone use

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

The tendons in the thumb help the finger bend or straighten. 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 can also develop from holding the phone in a bent position for long periods, causing pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This can result in numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, reducing grip strength and wrist mobility. Elbow pain can also occur from bending the elbow at an angle greater than 90 degrees, increasing pressure on the ulnar nerve.

In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary for bone and joint damage from prolonged phone use. Rest and limiting finger and wrist movement can help, along with over-the-counter pain medication. To prevent pain and damage, it is recommended to limit continuous phone use, use both hands and smaller buttons, and take breaks to prevent fatigue. Avoid using a smartwatch to text and hold the phone sideways when composing messages to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.