 "'iPhone finger' is used to describe a visible mark or indentation on the pinky finger likely caused by extensive usage of your phone. Image used for representational purposes/Pixabay")
In recent years, the widespread use of smartphones has brought about various changes in our lifestyle but are they even altering the appearance of our hands?
Dubbed as “iPhone finger,” this phenomenon has caught the attention of many, sparking discussions and debates regarding its existence and potential implications. During a March segment of The TJ Show, shared on TikTok, the concept of “iPhone finger” was elaborated upon by one of the hosts.
Describing how the weight of the phone often rests on the pinky finger during usage, they explained how this could lead to a visible indentation, altering the appearance of the finger. Viewers were encouraged to check for such indents on their own pinkies, leading to a surprising revelation for many.
What was the public response?
The TikTok video garnered significant attention, amassing over six million views and sparking a flurry of comments. While some found humour in the term “iPhone finger,” others questioned its validity, citing pre-existing finger indents or alternative smartphone brands.
“Why iPhone finger and not just phone finger?” one user questioned. “I got Samsung finger… thank God I don’t have iPhone finger…” another one joked.
Others refuted the theory with one comment saying, “Both my pinkies had a bend in them well before iPhones.”
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Another user echoed the segment, writing: “This is junk science, every one of my fingers has an ‘indent’ in the same spot.”
The phenomenon of “iPhone finger” drew comparisons to other repetitive strain injuries, such as a writer’s callus. According to Healthline, a writer’s callus is “an area of accumulated dead skin cells that form as a result of repeated friction against your finger”.
What is the expert opinion?
Andrew Bracken, an occupational therapist who spoke to Fox13, provided insights into the phenomenon.
While acknowledging the existence of finger indents caused by smartphone usage, he clarified that “iPhone finger” is not recognised as a medical condition. “It’s not an official medical diagnosis,” Bracken explained to the outlet. “You’re using your pinky to stabilise and support your smartphone, and you literally indent the side of your pinky from holding your phone.”
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Despite this, he warned against the potential consequences of prolonged smartphone use, including conditions like Cubital tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. “They’ll develop numbness in their pinky finger and along the side of their hand,” Bracken told the outlet. “It’s the angle of their wrist and their elbow that contributes to that numbness and that can lead to some real serious consequences if not addressed.”
Are there any potential health concerns?
Bracken emphasised the importance of addressing issues arising from excessive smartphone use, such as numbness and discomfort in the fingers and hand. While smartphones themselves may not cause significant damage, improper usage habits can contribute to long-term health problems, underscoring the need for moderation and ergonomic awareness.
Speaking to the New York Post, Dr Peter Evans, an orthopaedic surgeon with Cleveland Clinic, warned that it was “also possible that people who think they have smartphone pinky could have an underlying condition.”
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He added, “Constant cellphone use can cause a range of joint problems. While some claims of injury might be overstated, others are real and involve serious, long-term damage.”
Evans also warned that some medical problems include clinodactyly, a genetic finger malformation causing the tip of the pinky to bend close to the ring finger. There is also Dupuytren’s contracture, which happens when thick cords form beneath the skin over years and yank fingers close to the palm.
But none of them have any relation to smartphone use.
In response to concerns over “iPhone finger,” various coping mechanisms were suggested by both experts and commentators. Some advocated for the use of accessories like PopSockets to alleviate pressure on the pinky finger, while others recommended reducing overall screen time as a preventive measure.
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With inputs from agencies