The right way to hold your phone

If you hold your phone with your pinky finger underneath and your wrist bent inward, you put pressure on the ulnar nerve, which runs through your forearm and hand. This can cause pain and discomfort.

While the pinkie and thumb are most commonly affected, your wrists and arms can also experience strain.

A 2017 study linked extended use of smartphones to a higher likelihood of experiencing another painful wrist and hand disorder, suggesting caution when using hand-held electronic devices to minimise the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Prolonged use of smartphones has been linked to a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful wrist and hand disorder.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition resulting from repeated pressure on the wrist, where the median nerve passes into the hand and meets the wrist.

Common causes include repetitive hand movements, such as typing, which can cause pain, numbness, finger tingling, and weakened grip strength.

A study by White and colleagues found that 54% of frequent smartphone users reported musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, while 12% of non-intensive users reported similar pain.

A study involving 48 students found that those who spent more than nine hours a day on their devices experienced more and increased discomfort in their wrists and hands.

To avoid hand injuries caused by excessive phone use, it is important to maintain a neutral wrist position.

While there is no direct causal link between hand injuries and phone use, incorrect and frequent holding could potentially lead to issues like thumb arthritis, carpal tunnel, and tendinitis.