Smartphone users warned of developing ‘iPhone finger’ from spending too much time on their device
It's not the first time prolonged periods of using our tech is causing us health problems. Tech neck, for example, is strain we get on our neck from constantly looking down at our devices.
Now, there maybe such a thing as 'iPhone finger' and it's somewhat similar to writer calluses that you might remember getting from holding a pencil in school.
Hosts on the 'The TJ Show' discussed the phenomenon where the hosts noticed a difference between the pinky on both their hands.
'The way we hold our phones, sometimes with the weight of the phone resting on your pinky finger has created an indentation. It's actually changed the way your pinky looks,' one of the hosts explained.
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The hosts became convinced the pinky they use to support their phones had a noticeable dent compared to their other hand.
To check for 'iPhone finger,' hold out both pinkies and see if one looks noticeably different from the other.
Specifically, the pinky on your dominant hand might have a distinct indent.
In response to the podcast, one user questioned why Apple got the bad rep, asking: 'Why iPhone finger and not just phone finger?'
Whereas, another joked: 'I got Samsung finger... thank God I don’t have iPhone finger...'
However, if you're not so convinced, neither are some medical experts.
'Most of these images [of indents or gaps] don’t highlight a problem. They show typical pinky anatomy, which can vary widely,' said Dr. Peter Evans, an orthopaedic surgeon with the Cleveland Clinic.
Andrew Bracken, an occupational therapist in Utah, added: 'It’s not an official medical diagnosis. You’re using your pinky to stabilise and support your smartphone, and you literally indent the side of your pinky from holding your phone.'
From a medical standpoint, the condition is temporary as smartphones aren’t heavy enough to cause long term damage such a stopping blood flow or damaging nerves.
However, in any case, it might be that the indentation could be a result of an underlying joint conditions.
'Constant cellphone use can cause a range of joint problems. While some claims of injury might be overstated, others are real and involve serious, long-term damage,' added Evans.
So, whilst maybe not an issue directly caused by the phone, prolonged use will always hold problems.
Smartphone overuse can be a contribute to other conditions like Cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome, according to Bracken.