Do YOU have 'smartphone pinky'? Expert warns of new side effect after video goes viral | The US Sun

PEOPLE use their phones for everything - whether it's uploading a snap to Instagram or checking the news, we are all guilty of a little bit too much screen time.

While social media can be a fun distraction from our everyday lives, experts have warned of a strange side effect that some are experiencing due to high levels of smartphone usage.

Experts have warned that you should put your phone down to avoid smartphone pinkyCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Social media users have posted images of their pinky fingers - which seem to have a slight dent in themCredit: Twitter

So-called "smartphone pinky" has swept the internet, with many people complaining that their pinky finger has developed a bend due to the way they hold their phone.

TikTok and Twitter is currently full of people posting pictures and videos of their "deformed fingers" which they claim is due to their phones.

One user posted a video of their little finger and said: "Kinda hard to see on camera, does anyone else have this?"

The video received over 23,000 likes.

Most people tend to hold their smartphone with their thumb poised over the screen and the back or bottom of the device resting on the pinky finger.

One concerned Twitter user posted a snap to the site with the caption: "I have an actual #iphone injury. My finger has bent and will not straighten. Need to change the way I hold my phone."

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
Pareena Patel LloydsPharmacy

Pinky finger is caused when people use their smartphones too muchCredit: Twitter

The images and videos have gone viral and one expert said that excessive phone use can impact our muscular function - which could lead to smartphone pinky.

LloydsPharmacy pharmacist Pareena Patel said there is no clinical evidence that the condition exists but said it could be a variation of repetitative strain.

“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.

The small dent on the inside of the finger seen above is thought to be smartphone pinkyCredit: TIKtok/cllopez200

“For example, we know is that repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a common condition which affects the muscles and nerves if they are overused or subject to frequent repetitive movements."

She said this means that rather than a "pinky finger" it is more likely that people who regularly use their phones will have RSI.

She added: “Some research has also found that smartphone overuse can cause pain in the thumb, and can even decrease hand function."

If you are suffering from pain due to too much smartphone use, Pareena said there are some things you can do to ease it.

Digital detox

She said that curling your fingers is a good way to alleviate the pain.

Pareena added: "You simply need to clench your hand into a fist, followed by gently releasing and stretching out the fingers. This can be repeated up to 5 times a day, with a rep’ of 5 each time.”

Pareena also highlighted the Alexander Technique which helps improve musculoskeletal problems.

"While this is typically used for postural problems, some of the principles may help you with hand/finger aches, by helping you understand how your movements including phone use, affect all your body parts."

Pareena said that this technique can also help with "text neck" which is caused due to people looking down at their screens constantly.