Smartphone Overuse and Wrist Pain: A Growing Concern Among Youth
Keywords: smartphone overuse wrist pain, hand pain from mobile use, smartphone addiction risks, orthopedic consultation Dubai, wrist pain from scrolling, digital strain in youth, Fakeeh University Hospital
Is your phone hurting your hand?
Doctors are raising the alarm about the rising incidence of wrist and thumb pain caused by excessive smartphone use, especially among younger individuals and those who use their phones for more than 5–6 hours a day.
At Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai, orthopedic specialists are increasingly seeing young adults and even teenagers with symptoms of overuse injuries, conditions that were once common only among manual laborers. The culprit? Prolonged mobile use and poor digital posture.
The Risks of Smartphone Overuse
A healthcare expert, noted,
“One study found a strong link between high smartphone usage and pain among students, especially those at high risk for smartphone addiction.”
The risks are even greater for individuals with:
- Pre-existing joint conditions (like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Mild hypermobility
- Long hours spent typing or working on screens (e.g., office workers and students)
Expert Observations from Dubai Orthopedic Surgeons
Dr. Khaled Alawany, consultant orthopedic surgeon and visiting physician in Dubai, shared:
“We're seeing a shift. What used to be injuries exclusive to labor-intensive jobs are now showing up in tech-heavy lifestyles. Youth are suffering from musculoskeletal strain due to smartphones.”
He recommends:
- Alternating hands during use
- Using voice-to-text features
- Investing in ergonomic tools like grips or pop sockets
- Taking regular “hand breaks”
Treatment & Prevention
According to Dr. Tarek Jawad, Orthopedic Surgery Consultant at Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai:
“If patients report thumb or wrist pain, they should immediately reduce scrolling time. Anti-inflammatory treatments often provide fast relief. But long-term prevention lies in breaks, stretching, and physiotherapy when needed.”
Recommended prevention tips include:
- Avoiding prolonged one-handed phone use
- Regularly stretching wrists and neck
- Using phone stands or holders
- Keeping devices at eye level to reduce neck strain
When to See a Specialist
If you experience:
- Persistent hand or wrist pain
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Decreased grip strength
It may be time to consult an orthopedic specialist.
Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai offers expert orthopedic consultations, physiotherapy services, and tailored treatment plans to help you recover and prevent further damage.
Take Action Today
Don't ignore digital discomfort. Book your orthopedic consultation at Fakeeh University Hospital today and learn how to protect your hands from modern tech strain.
📍 Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis | 📞 Call: +971 4 414 4444 | 🌐 Visit Now: www.fuh.care