Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 hrs ago
Prolonged smartphone use may strain hands and wrists, surgeon warns
An orthopaedic surgeon says long periods of smartphone use can strain the hands and wrists.
Repeated scrolling or typing with one thumb, holding a phone in the same position and bending the wrist may irritate tendons and cause discomfort.
Symptoms can include pain, numbness or weakness, and strain may build over time, especially alongside other repetitive tasks such as computer work or gaming.
Using both hands, changing grips, taking breaks, keeping the wrist straight and using voice features can help reduce strain.
Persistent pain, swelling, tingling, weakness or difficulty gripping objects are reasons to seek medical advice.
Symptoms that disrupt sleep or everyday activities also warrant evaluation.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barun Dutta warned that prolonged smartphone use can strain the muscles, joints, tendons and nerves in the hands and wrists.
Repeated thumb movements, prolonged use of the same grip and bent-wrist texting may contribute to discomfort.
Possible symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness and stiffness, and ignored problems may become chronic.
Dutta advised using both hands, changing grips, taking breaks, keeping the wrist neutral and using voice features when appropriate.
Persistent pain, swelling, tingling, weakness or difficulty gripping objects warrants medical evaluation.
- Who
- Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barun Dutta.
- What
- He warned that prolonged smartphone use may strain the hands and wrists and shared habits that may reduce strain.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Repeated movements and holding a phone in the same position for a long time can strain hand and wrist tissues.
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This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Article publication
- October 13, 2026
- Surgeon
- Dr Barun Dutta
- Repeated use
- One-thumb scrolling or typing may irritate thumb tendons
- Recommended habits
- Use both hands, change grip and take regular breaks
- Medical advice
- Persistent pain, swelling, numbness, tingling or weakness warrants evaluation
What people are saying
The structure of the human hand is perfect for various movements, but repeated movements for a long time can put a strain on the muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves of the hands and wrists.
Using one thumb for scrolling or typing and having the wrist bent while texting contribute as well.
What starts as occasional stiffness may develop into chronic pain if the problems are ignored.
Sources
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