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iPhone finger: What is it and do you need to worry
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
The term is used to describe a visible mark or indentation on the pinky finger likely caused by extensive usage of smartphones such as iPhone, which rests on the little finger during one-handed usage.
The term ‘iPhone finger’ has gained a lot of attention lately, and is raising serious concerns after it was first discussed on a podcast named “The TJ Show”.
What is ‘iPhone finger’?
The term is used to describe a visible mark or indentation on the little finger, likely caused by extensive usage of smartphones such as iPhone.
Is it really a health concern?
While tech enthusiasts expressed worries about the pinky indentation, health experts dismiss it as a genuine medical condition.
Dr. Peter Evans, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, dismissed the idea explaining that most images depicting indents or gaps don’t indicate an issue but rather showcase variations in typical finger anatomy.
Agreeing with Evans, occupational therapist April Hibbeler and hand surgeon Dr. Michael Geary of Ortho Carolina added that there is no official diagnosis for “iPhone finger.”
Excessive usage of smartphones
Although Evans dismissed the idea of ‘iPhone finger’ he warned that consistent use of cellphones can lead to various joint issues. “While some claims of injury might be overstated, others are real and involve serious, long-term damage,” he said.
Although smartphone pinky isn’t recognised as a legitimate medical condition, Evans noted that ‘smartphone elbow,’ also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is indeed a genuine concern. This condition occurs when individuals consistently bend their elbow beyond 90 degrees for extended periods, often while texting.
Evans further highlighted that thumb joints aren’t made to text and swipe all day long and one should be careful of ‘texting thumb’. “Overuse can aggravate underlying conditions, like arthritis, or cause new problems in the thumb tendons,” he said.
Regarding the neck, Evans pointed out that the human head weighs approximately 10 to 12 pounds, emphasising the importance of this weight distribution when looking down at a smartphone. “When you look down, you increase the load on your neck muscles. This added pressure can cause muscle pain and spasms,” he said.
Hibbeler and Geary further caution that excessive smartphone usage can worsen conditions like trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome.
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