Smartphones could speed up your chance of psoriatic arthritis

[Fred]

This study suggest that smartphone overuse could speed up the possible development of psoriatic arthritis.

Quote:

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Background:
Distal interphalangeal (DIP) arthritis is a frequent form of psoriatic arthritis being often linked to nail psoriasis. Modern society is characterized by overuse of smartphones. Indeed, literature has recently focalized on research into smartphone addiction and health-related problems.

Objectives:
As smartphone addiction is able to determine overuse and repeated movements of DIP joints and nails, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of smartphone use on hand joints of young psoriatic patients.

Methods:
An observational study involving four different groups such as non-smartphone-addicted (SA) psoriatic patients, SA psoriatic patients, non-SA controls and SA controls was performed. Each subject underwent an ultrasound examination of both hands by three independent and blinded to group assignment radiologists. A specific score was used to evaluate the inflammatory state of the analysed joints.

Results:
The total ultrasound score was statistically significantly higher in SA controls respect to non-SA controls (3.4 vs. 1.4; P < 0.05) as well as in SA psoriasis patients compared to non-SA psoriatic subjects (15.2 vs. 6.7; P < 0.01). Higher mean of ultrasound score was found for left hand in controls (both SA or not) and for right hand in psoriatic subjects (both SA or not), however without reaching statistical significance.

Conclusions:
Smartphone overuse was found to be linked with higher signs of inflammation of musculoskeletal structures of hands joints in both psoriasis and controls through ultrasound examination. Therefore, smartphone overuse may be a factor which facilitate or speed up the possible development of psoriatic arthritis.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Funding unknown

[jiml]

An interesting study
I use a smartphone a lot, but haven’t noticed a difference in my digit joints... possibly because I use the smartphone differently and only use one finger to type

[Fred]

An interesting study
I use a smartphone a lot, but haven’t noticed a difference in my digit joints... possibly because I use the smartphone differently and only use one finger to type  

I don't have one so wouldn't know.

[Caroline]

An interesting study
I use a smartphone a lot, but haven’t noticed a difference in my digit joints... possibly because I use the smartphone differently and only use one finger to type  

I don't have one so wouldn't know.

I have one, and use it intensively with both thumbs. I never use my nails, a smartphone just does not react to your nails   (who did this research?) Never found any relation between smartphone use and arthritis.
Also on my iPad, which I use with ten finger typing, I have no problems.
On the opposite, I feel that since I stopped working with standard Logitech or Microsoft keyboards, where I really did feel my joints, and switched to Apple keyboards, which work much lighter, and my iPad, which only needs very light taps, the pain in the joints of my fingers has greatly been reduced. (Of course this may also be due to my treatment).

[Fred]

(who did this research?)

Megna, M., Gisonni, P., Napolitano, M., Orabona, G. D., Patruno, C., Ayala, F. and Balato, N.

[Turnedlight]

It’s not really just smartphones, it’s anything you do with your hands like typing etc.
My carpal tunnel was grumbling along, then I put together a few bits of furniture with a screwdriver and it went nuts.
I think they’re talking about what they use to refer to as rsi.

[Caroline]

(who did this research?)

Megna, M., Gisonni, P., Napolitano, M., Orabona, G. D., Patruno, C., Ayala, F. and Balato, N.

Medics or techies...

[Fred]

(who did this research?)

Megna, M., Gisonni, P., Napolitano, M., Orabona, G. D., Patruno, C., Ayala, F. and Balato, N.

Medics or techies...  

Car mechanics. .................. I don't know

[D Foster]

(who did this research?)

Megna, M., Gisonni, P., Napolitano, M., Orabona, G. D., Patruno, C., Ayala, F. and Balato, N.

Medics or techies...  

Car mechanics. .................. I don't know  

Money and old rope springs to mind !!!

[Kat]

Any repetitive movements over a long period of time can play havoc with the joints I'd think.  Of course the outcome always will vary between people so I'm a believer that person A could spent 12 hours per day doing the same repetitive movement and never have any issues whereas person B could spend 6 hours per day doing those same movements and be in pain after only a few months (or shorter/longer)

If you don't have issues enjoy! If you start noticing pain be smart and cut back or find another way.