Key Highlights
- “iPhone finger” has been making rounds
- Not a serious issue, but excessive use can worsen existing conditions
- Overuse can lead to “smartphone elbow” and “texting thumb”
Recently, the term “iPhone finger” has been making rounds, particularly among tech enthusiasts and smartphone users. It was first brought up on a podcast called ‘The TJ Show’. This term refers to a visible mark or indentation on the little finger, often caused by extensive use of smartphones, particularly Apple iPhones. Users have noticed a distinct piece on the pinky finger they use to support their phones, which appears different from the pinky on their opposite hand. According to the podcast hosts, holding the phone with the weight resting on the pinky finger can create an indentation, altering the appearance of the finger. Also Read | Rice Isn’t Nice: Here’s Apple’s Preferred Method For Wet iPhone Recovery
Identifying iPhone Finger
To check if someone has an “iPhone finger,” they can compare both little fingers. If one finger shows a large indent on the dominant hand, likely from holding the phone, it might be a case of smartphone pinky.
Is iPhone Finger A Health Concern?
While there has been concern among tech enthusiasts about this phenomenon, health experts have dismissed it as a genuine medical condition. Dr. Peter Evans, an orthopaedic surgeon with Cleveland Clinic, mentioned that such indents or gaps on little fingers are not indicative of a problem; they simply show typical pinky anatomy, which can vary widely.
Occupational therapist April Hibbeler and hand surgeon Dr. Michael Geary from Ortho Carolina also agreed, stating that there’s no official diagnosis for “iPhone finger.”
Underlying Conditions
Dr. Evans warned that while “iPhone finger” may not be a medical concern, constant cellphone use can lead to various joint problems. Some individuals may have underlying conditions aggravated by extensive smartphone use. Conditions like clinodactyly, a genetic finger malformation, and Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes fingers to bend towards the palm, can be worsened by smartphone usage.
Also Read | How To Maximize iPhone Battery Health: Tips & Tricks
Phone-Related Medical Conditions
Although “iPhone finger” might not be a direct issue, there are other phone-related medical conditions to be aware of. For instance, “smartphone elbow” or cubital tunnel syndrome is a real concern. This condition occurs when people bend their elbows beyond 90 degrees for prolonged periods, often during texting, leading to nerve damage and tingling or numbness in the pinky finger.
Additionally, smartphone users should be cautious of “texting thumb” or neck problems. Overuse of thumb joints for texting and swiping can aggravate arthritis or cause issues in thumb tendons. Similarly, looking down at a smartphone can strain neck muscles, leading to muscle pain and spasms due to increased pressure on the neck.
Conclusion
While “iPhone finger” may not be a severe health concern, it’s essential to be mindful of the potential impacts of excessive smartphone usage on overall hand and body health.
