Social media users are suggesting that they have a physical condition called ‘smartphone pinky’.
A host of people on platforms such as Twitter and TikTok have complained about their fingers being left ‘deformed’ after using their phones too much.
The Smartphone pinky phenomenon went viral recently which begged the question is this new supposed ailment a fact or fiction?
Pharmacist Pareena Patel says there is no clinical evidence that the condition exists, but suggests it could come as a result of the repetitive strain from holding the device.
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She told The Sun newspaper: “Smartphone pinky is a social phenomenon thought to be caused by frequent smartphone use. This is where users have reported a dent on their pinky finger from holding their smartphone too much.
“While there is no clinical evidence yet to suggest that smartphones can damage our pinkies specifically, nor is this an official medical condition or term, there are reasons to believe excessive phone use can impact our muscular function and may damage our joints particularly in the thumb and wrist area.”
Orthopaedic Associates of Manhasset seconded this by posting on their website that even though smartphone pinky may not be a real condition, there still may be negative effects from keeping your hand glued to your phone. Holding your arm in one position for long periods can cause strain on your arms, fingers, and elbows. Over time, this stress could even lead to nerve damage.
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