“What is the effect of mobile phones on the hands?”
Can constant typing on mobile phones cause a strain on the hand bones/muscles and make them weaker? How can we counteract this?
9 Answers
Good question. We see people develop carpal tunnel syndrome for example with excessive use of a keyboard but so far I have not encountered a patient complaining of hand pain or numbness with excessive use of their cell phone keyboard. If you type excessively on yourself a keyboard you may get some soreness and possibly carpal tunnel like symptoms but I don't think it will cause your hands to become weaker.
You can develop tendinitis in the fingers and the thumb and strain in the neck as well. Using the phone cannot make your muscles weaker but using the phone too much and not exercising can. Use the phone less.
I don't think there would be any effect. The amplitude of the movements involved is tiny.
Andrew
Andrew
James W. Cahill
Orthopedist
Use of mobile phones and technology devices can place a strain on peoples hands and wrists. The muscles can become fatigued. They can also become strained from overuse. Certain positions can also produce nerve compression’s that result in numbness and tingling of the fingers. Mobile devices can also lead to neck strains and neck pain from constantly looking down. It is always best to listen to the signals that the body sends regarding inflammation and pain. Over-the-counter pain medications can be helpful. Limiting the number of hours on devices is a good idea when possible.
I suppose that if you use the phone too much, you can get some cramping and stiffness. However, I am not sure too much pressure is used during phone usage. Therefore, no arthritis should set in. I think the bigger risk is to that of the neck. If you have a daily routine of stretching and being careful with your hands, they should last a long time.
David T. Neuman, MD
David T. Neuman, MD
None that we know of.
First of all, every single human needs to distance themselves from their “smart” phone on a regular basis; this technology has many more psychological, social, and intellectual drawbacks and yet we cannot seem to live without our phones! Albert Einstein said that when the day comes that technology overtakes human interaction, the world will have a whole generation of idiots! And we are quickly approaching that landmark.
But to answer, there are no musculoskeletal issues of any significance from regular use of handling a cell phone.
Mark L. Mudano, MD
But to answer, there are no musculoskeletal issues of any significance from regular use of handling a cell phone.
Mark L. Mudano, MD
Nabil A Ebraheim
Orthopedist
The negative effect is not proven
Unfortunately, there is no data with which to base an answer. However, constant repetitive wrist and hand motion may increase your chance of carpal tunnel syndrome or perhaps even mild arthritis of the fingers.
Hope that helps,
Bose
Hope that helps,
Bose
