CTS results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through your wrist. Repetitive motions can cause swelling and inflammation, putting pressure on the nerve.
A small 2017 studyTrusted Source investigating the effects of electronic device use among 48 university students found that those who used their devices for more than 5 hours a day had more negative effects on the median nerve.
A 2021 studyTrusted Source involving 285 participants found a link between CTS and 4 hours per day or more of smartphone use. Researchers also noted that those who held the smartphone with both hands were almost eight times more likely to develop CTS.
A 2022 studyTrusted Source involving 404 participants found that the risk of CTS increased with each hour spent on the phone per day. It was also more common among people with higher scores on the smartphone addiction scaleTrusted Source, which considers factors like time spent on the phone, online relationships, and daily life disturbance.
These relatively small studies aren’t enough to firmly establish a link between smartphones and CTS, and other studies haven’t found a link. While caution may be warranted, more research is needed.
Can phone use cause other types of hand pain?
In a 2023 studyTrusted Source, more than half of participants experienced hand or wrist pain due to phone use. Common effects include:
- weakening of the hand in which you hold your phone
- numbness
- cramping and inflammation, especially in the pinky and thumb (aka “smartphone finger” or “texting thumb”)
Whether or not phone use can cause CTS, experts agree that it can worsen symptoms. A 2019 study found that some factors may cause you to be more likely to experience CTS symptoms. These include:
- being assigned female at birth
- higher body mass index (BMI)
- occupation
How to prevent hand pain from phone use
Limiting time spent on your smartphone can help reduce your risk of related hand and wrist injuries. But smartphone use is essential for many people’s daily lives.
If you can’t reduce your smartphone usage, consider using a smartphone grip that allows you to use your device without having to hold it.
Many phones also have features like talk-to-text that reduce the need for touching your phone.
You might also consider wrist and finger stretches that can help strengthen your joints and tendons.
If you do experience pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand and wrist, contact a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms.
Is there a link between carpal tunnel and phone use?
CTS results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through your wrist. Repetitive motions can cause swelling and inflammation, putting pressure on the nerve.
A small 2017 studyTrusted Source investigating the effects of electronic device use among 48 university students found that those who used their devices for more than 5 hours a day had more negative effects on the median nerve.
A 2021 studyTrusted Source involving 285 participants found a link between CTS and 4 hours per day or more of smartphone use. Researchers also noted that those who held the smartphone with both hands were almost eight times more likely to develop CTS.
A 2022 studyTrusted Source involving 404 participants found that the risk of CTS increased with each hour spent on the phone per day. It was also more common among people with higher scores on the smartphone addiction scaleTrusted Source, which considers factors like time spent on the phone, online relationships, and daily life disturbance.
These relatively small studies aren’t enough to firmly establish a link between smartphones and CTS, and other studies haven’t found a link. While caution may be warranted, more research is needed.
Can phone use cause other types of hand pain?
In a 2023 studyTrusted Source, more than half of participants experienced hand or wrist pain due to phone use. Common effects include:
- weakening of the hand in which you hold your phone
- numbness
- cramping and inflammation, especially in the pinky and thumb (aka “smartphone finger” or “texting thumb”)
Whether or not phone use can cause CTS, experts agree that it can worsen symptoms. A 2019 study found that some factors may cause you to be more likely to experience CTS symptoms. These include:
- being assigned female at birth
- higher body mass index (BMI)
- occupation
How to prevent hand pain from phone use
Limiting time spent on your smartphone can help reduce your risk of related hand and wrist injuries. But smartphone use is essential for many people’s daily lives.
If you can’t reduce your smartphone usage, consider using a smartphone grip that allows you to use your device without having to hold it.
Many phones also have features like talk-to-text that reduce the need for touching your phone.
You might also consider wrist and finger stretches that can help strengthen your joints and tendons.
If you do experience pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand and wrist, contact a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms.
