Smartphone overuse linked to thumb and hand injuries

Prolonged scrolling, texting and other smartphone activities are causing a rise in thumb and hand pain, often referred to as "texting thumb" or "smartphone thumb." Symptoms include stiffness, throbbing near the thumb joint and a clicking sensation when the thumb bends, and untreated cases can progress to carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or De Quervain tenosynovitis.

Orthopaedic specialists such as Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy of the University of Kentucky HealthCare Hand Center and Dr. Eugene Tsai of Cedars‑Sinai emphasize that modern phones are larger and heavier than earlier models, increasing strain. They advise limiting screen time, taking frequent short breaks, varying hand posture or switching hands, using voice‑to‑text and larger fonts, and employing ring‑shaped grip accessories to distribute weight. Simple daily wrist and thumb stretches are also recommended to relieve pain.

These recommendations aim to make mobile device use compatible with everyday life while protecting hand health.