BEYOND TECH NECK

(Women's Health) Putting your smartphone down can be painful, we know, but experts are warning that tech dependence might hurt worse: Patients as young as 10 years old are now seeing tendon and tissue problems in their hands. Let Michelle Carlson, M.D., a hand and upper extremity surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, do damage control:

Thumb Tendinitis

Frequent texting can lead to tendinitis which is inflamed tendons, in your thumbs. Grip your phone with both hands so your thumbs and wrist come in from the side at a 45-degree angle. It might feel awkward at first, but it'll decrease joint irritation and the chances you'll need over-the-counter pain killers or physical therapy.

Cell-Phone Elbow

Holding your phone to your ear or scrolling with your arm bent can compress the nerves in your elbow, resulting in tingling or numbness in your ring and pinky finger. If frequent enough, it can cause permanent nerve damage in your hand. Switch to earbuds or speakerphone mode when you feel the buzz.

Cell-Phone Wrist

You know that typing away on your computer can lead to carpal tunnel, but the same goes for chatting away on your phone the bend in your wrist compresses the nerves, and this time you feel the tingles in your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Again, go hands-free to minimize injury and avoid surgery down the line.

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