‘Your body is changing because of that bloody phone’: R Madhavan says excessive phone usage giving him ‘mobile phone fingers’

R Madhavan, always committed towards health and wellness, has recently spoken about the ill-effects of mobile phone usage at a seminar.

Addressing the crowd, he shared: “I’ll ask all of you to hold up your fingers like that- the hand which you don’t use the phone, just run your hand along the rib and see if there was a dip in your finger, and then do that with the same hand that you use the phone..I promise you, we all have mobile phone fingers. “If you can see, I have it myself,” said the Rang De Basanti actor.

“Your body is changing because of that bloody phone,” he added.

Dr Daria Singh, Clincial Director, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement Program, Apollo Hospitals, explained that mobile phone fingers basically refers to fatigue or discomfort in the fingers and hands that is caused due to prolonged .

“Using a phone for long duration can lead to muscle stiffness, cramps, and even pain in the fingers, wrists, or handsmobile. This discomfort often comes from repetitive movements such as scrolling, typing, or gripping the device for extended durations,” he said.

While there are no conclusive studies yet that can confirm the long-term health effects of this condition, Dr Singh said that some users have reported a visible dip or small deformity in their fingers. In some cases, this dip may even become permanent. However, experts have not definitively linked such physical changes solely to mobile phone use, and more studies are still needed to understand the full impact.

To reduce the risk of discomfort or potential long-term effects, Singh recommended to limit mobile phone use when possible. “For activities like working, reading, or watching videos, switching to a computer or laptop is a better alternative. These devices offer a suitable setup and reduce the strain on your hands and fingers,” he said.

He added that taking regular breaks, stretching your hands, and using both hands to hold your device can also help prevent fatigue. holders and belts can help minimise the need to hold phones by hand for long periods, reducing strain on the fingers and hands.

Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant, psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital , said that taking a break from using your phone is a powerful way to reset your brain, enhance focus, and improve overall health. “Regular breaks from digital devices can enhance real-world relationships and emotional intelligence since people become more attuned to nonverbal cues and develop better active listening skills,” he added.

This encourages face-to-face interactions where you become more emotionally aware, and feel a stronger connection with family, friends, and even strangers. He added that the effects of smartphone overuse on the brain will also result in structural and functional changes, particularly in areas responsible for attention and impulse control.

Dr Ajinkya said that while a full three-day detox may not always be feasible, reducing phone use can yield significant benefits. He suggested starting with small, manageable steps:

Set phone-free timings – Designate certain hours of the day, such as during meals or before bedtime, as phone-free periods.

Use Do Not Disturb mode – Limit notifications to reduce the urge to check your phone constantly.

Engage in offline activities – Replace screen time with activities like reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors.

Practice a social media break – Try reducing social media usage by limiting screen time or deleting apps temporarily.

Establish a sleep-friendly routine – Avoid screens at least an hour before bed to improve sleep quality.

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