PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Are you on the phone right now?

Whether it’s texting, scrolling through social media, or watching videos, sometimes we run out of time and could easily spend hours on our phones. But spending too much time on the phone can actually lead to something called “phone hand.”

“Phone hand” is a non-medical term that describes a number of problems that can arise from prolonged use of a mobile phone.

“The average person spends about three hours a day on the phone. The cumulative effect can lead to more problems than we realize,” said Samantha Zaykoski, a certified hand therapist at Banner Physical Therapy.

When scrolling, the body tends to lean forward. Zaykoski says this position can cause our nerves to tense up and tension in the upper arm that can radiate down into the hand.

What problems can the telephone hand cause?

• Carpal tunnel: Numbness, tingling, weakness in thumb and fingers
• Cubital tunnel: Inflammation, swelling and irritation in the elbow area, which can lead to tingling in the fingers
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, especially in the thumb
• arthritis: Swelling, pressure sensitivity in the thumb joint
• Trigger finger: Painful cracking and pinching of the thumb

What is the best way to avoid them?

“The best solution is to just put the phone away,” Zaykoski said. “Try to find ways to limit your screen time as much as possible.”

Some tips from Zaykoski included setting timers on your phone to limit screen time, attaching a pop socket or loop to the back of your phone to reduce holding, and moving your body regularly to change your posture.

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