The Effect of Using Long-term Smartphones on Upper Extremity Paraesthesia in Young Adults

Published Date: 01st January 2026

Publication Authors: Iyengar. KP

Background:
Paraesthesia, characterised by tingling or prickling sensations, typically results from nerve compression or injury. With smartphones becoming integral to daily life, young adults often maintain prolonged static postures that may compress peripheral nerves, particularly in the upper extremities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of upper extremity paraesthesia among long-term smartphone users aged 15–35 years.
Aim of the Study:
To describe the prevalence and pattern of self-reported tingling or numbness in young adults and to explore associations with smartphone usage habits.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 253 smartphone users aged 15–35 years in Ahmedabad, India. A self-designed questionnaire was pilot-tested for clarity and face validity. Data on demographics, device use (years, hours/day), posture, and paraesthesia (location, timing, severity) were collected. Descriptive statistics summarised symptom prevalence; associations were explored with chi-square tests.
Results:
Overall, 55.7% of respondents reported tingling or numbness in one or more upper extremity regions. The hand was most affected (26.1%), followed by little finger (22.2%), thumb (20.6%), ring finger (19.8%), middle finger (15.0%), and index finger (13.0%). Symptoms occurred primarily during (29.2%) or immediately after (10.7%) device use. Most described mild (24.5%) or moderate (17.0%) symptoms; severe and very severe reports were 2.4% and 2.8%, respectively. Associations reached statistical significance for daily usage duration and symptom presence (P < .05).
Conclusion:
More than half of long-term smartphone users in this sample experienced self-reported paraesthesia. Given the survey-based design and absence of clinical or electrophysiological confirmation, findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Future studies must incorporate objective diagnostic measures, validated symptom instruments, control groups, and control for occupational and activity-related confounders.Background:
Paraesthesia, characterised by tingling or prickling sensations, typically results from nerve compression or injury. With smartphones becoming integral to daily life, young adults often maintain prolonged static postures that may compress peripheral nerves, particularly in the upper extremities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of upper extremity paraesthesia among long-term smartphone users aged 15–35 years.
Aim of the Study:
To describe the prevalence and pattern of self-reported tingling or numbness in young adults and to explore associations with smartphone usage habits.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 253 smartphone users aged 15–35 years in Ahmedabad, India. A self-designed questionnaire was pilot-tested for clarity and face validity. Data on demographics, device use (years, hours/day), posture, and paraesthesia (location, timing, severity) were collected. Descriptive statistics summarised symptom prevalence; associations were explored with chi-square tests.
Results:
Overall, 55.7% of respondents reported tingling or numbness in one or more upper extremity regions. The hand was most affected (26.1%), followed by little finger (22.2%), thumb (20.6%), ring finger (19.8%), middle finger (15.0%), and index finger (13.0%). Symptoms occurred primarily during (29.2%) or immediately after (10.7%) device use. Most described mild (24.5%) or moderate (17.0%) symptoms; severe and very severe reports were 2.4% and 2.8%, respectively. Associations reached statistical significance for daily usage duration and symptom presence (P < .05).
Conclusion:
More than half of long-term smartphone users in this sample experienced self-reported paraesthesia. Given the survey-based design and absence of clinical or electrophysiological confirmation, findings should be interpreted as preliminary. Future studies must incorporate objective diagnostic measures, validated symptom instruments, control groups, and control for occupational and activity-related confounders.

Patel, G.; Iyengar, K.P. et al. (2026). The Effect of Using Long-term Smartphones on Upper Extremity Paraesthesia in Young Adults. Apollo Medicine. 23(1), pp.25-29. [Online]. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09760016251385231 [Accessed 5 March 2026].