UAE: How to prevent smartphone fingers and hand injuries? Doctors explain, offer tips

UAE: How to prevent smartphone fingers and hand injuries? Doctors explain, offer tips

Doctors talk about studies which suggest that heavy cell phone users are at risk of injuries.

By SM Ayaz Zakir Published: Sun 13 Feb 2022, 9:08 AM Last updated: Sun 13 Feb 2022, 9:09 AM

Overuse of smartphones and devices can invite a lot of trouble for your hand and fingers. In the last decade, phones have evolved from your standard flip phone, to nearly mini computers in your hands. Doctors say that there has been a rise in overuse injuries and nerve-related symptoms as people spend a lot more time on their smartphones.

Doctors talk on studies which suggest that heavy cell phone users, especially businesspersons, are at risk of injuries. If a lot of time is spent on gripping or clutching your phone, your fingers and thumb may start to cramp or become inflamed. This condition is called as “smartphone finger, texting tendinitis, texting thumb, texting nerve” -- the non-medical terms.

Dr Marouane Bouloudhnine, consultant orthopedic surgeon, Hand to Shoulder Clinic, Burjeel Hospital Dubai said that the fingers most impacted by holding a smartphone or tablet, are your pinky (fifth finger) and thumb. He added that the nerves in your wrists and elbows can also be impacted by the way you hold