Introduction
In the digital age, our smartphones have become constant companions, but could they be serving up more than just information? This blog explores the connection between smartphone usage and the onset of tennis elbow, unravelling the potential risks and offering insights into prevention.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is typically associated with racquet sports, but its prevalence is expanding beyond the court. Characterised by pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow, it begs the question: Can your smartphone be a culprit? Find out more about tennis elbow and its symptoms here.
The Smartphone Grip
Hold your smartphone for a moment. Notice the grip? Many users engage in repetitive gripping and tapping motions while using their phones, creating stress on the tendons around the elbow. This prolonged and repetitive strain can contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
Repetitive Motions and Overuse
Smartphone use often involves repetitive motions, like scrolling, typing, and swiping. These actions, when done excessively or with poor ergonomics, can strain the tendons in the elbow potentially leading to tennis elbow.
Screen Time Strain
With the average daily screen time on smartphones increasing, so does the potential for strain on the elbow. Long durations of use, especially in awkward or static postures, can exacerbate the risk of developing tennis elbow.
Prevention Strategies
The good news is that awareness and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk. Simple adjustments, such as taking breaks, maintaining proper grip, relaxing your grip and practising ergonomic smartphone use, can make a substantial difference in preventing smartphone-induced tennis elbow.
Hand and Arm Exercises
Improve the health of the tendon by carefully engaging in a program of loading exercises. gain guidance with these as they will strengthen and improve tendon health but if done at the wrong time and intensity can make the problem worse. Stretching and flexibility exercises can also contribute to maintaining a healthy range of motion, again be careful as stretching a very unhappy tendon will not go down well. Click here for 5 stretches for your elbow pain.
Ergonomic Accessories
Consider investing in ergonomic accessories for your smartphone, like grips or stands that promote a more natural and comfortable hand position. These tools can alleviate strain on the elbow and enhance overall smartphone ergonomics.
What can I do next?
Tendon problems such as these can be tricky to settle down this is because the exercises that improve the tendon if done too intensely or at the wrong time can upset the tendon more. Early treatment aids the speed and success of recovery. Proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans can address symptoms and prevent long-term issues. I have an online program to quickly and easily resolve your tennis elbow check it out here. Resolving this annoying and painful problem once and for all. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort seek help from a healthcare professional experienced in these problems (such as myself).
Conclusion
While your smartphone is a valuable tool, its prolonged and improper use can contribute to the development of tennis elbow and other problems. Within this blog, I have given you actionable ideas to improve this problem. If in doubt take expert advice with my online tennis elbow program. Let’s nurture what should be a healthy relationship between you and your digital companion.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
