Is Your Smartphone Hurting Your Thumb?

Here’s What You Need to Know About: Thumb Pain, Social Media, and How Physiotherapy Can Help – BOOST PHYSIO’s Guide

In an age where we spend hours scrolling on Instagram, TikTok, replying to WhatsApps, and holding our phones in one hand, more people — especially under 35 — are experiencing persistent thumb and wrist pain. At BOOST PHYSIO clinics across North London and Elstree, we’ve had many patients seeing us for physiotherapy treatment and advice about pain at the base of the thumb, extending into the wrist. The condition is sometimes called “Instagram Thumb”, “texting thumb”, or in more medical terms, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

How Common Is This Thumb Pain?

Emerging studies show that this is more than just a passing ache:

  • A 2020 study found that among university students, 66.4% were classified as smartphone overusers, and 19.1% had a positive Finkelstein’s test — a clinical sign of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

  • Another study found that 29.2% of college students experienced thumb pain linked to smartphone use.

  • General population estimates for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis suggest a prevalence of around 1.3% in women and 0.5% in men.

At BOOST PHYSIO, our physiotherapists see this reflected in our own clinics across North London in Hendon, East Finchley, Hampstead and and in Elstree, with a growing number of younger patients presenting with pain linked to repetitive thumb and wrist movements from excessive phone use.

What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

This condition is an inflammation of the tendon sheath and around the tendon that run along the thumb side of your wrist. It typically develops from repetitive thumb movements — such as swiping, scrolling, or gripping a phone — and can lead to:

  • Pain at the base of the thumb and side of the wrist

  • Swelling or a catching sensation

  • Pain when gripping or lifting (e.g. holding a phone or mug)

  • Difficulty with tasks like typing, lifting, or even brushing teeth

Common Thumb Pain Risk Factors in Today’s World

You’re more likely to experience smartphone-related thumb pain if you:

  • Use your dominant hand to scroll and text extensively

  • Hold your phone one-handed and use your thumb to navigate

  • Spend 2+ hours daily on Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp

  • Have poor posture or grip mechanics

  • Already suffer from wrist or hand conditions (e.g. carpal tunnel)

What Is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

This condition is an inflammation of the tendon sheath and around the tendon that run along the thumb side of your wrist. It typically develops from repetitive thumb movements — such as swiping, scrolling, or gripping a phone — and can lead to:

  • Pain at the base of the thumb and side of the wrist

  • Swelling or a catching sensation

  • Pain when gripping or lifting (e.g. holding a phone or mug)

  • Difficulty with tasks like typing, lifting, or even brushing teeth

Common Thumb Pain Risk Factors in Today’s World

You’re more likely to experience smartphone-related thumb pain if you:

  • Use your dominant hand to scroll and text extensively

  • Hold your phone one-handed and use your thumb to navigate

  • Spend 2+ hours daily on Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp

  • Have poor posture or grip mechanics

  • Already suffer from wrist or hand conditions (e.g. carpal tunnel)

How Physiotherapy Treatment Can Help Thumb Pain

At BOOST PHYSIO, our expert physiotherapists are skilled in treating this type of thumb and wrist pain. Whether you’re a student, remote worker, creative, or professional — we’ll help get you out of pain and back to full function.

Our Physios Provide:

  • Thorough assessment of thumb/wrist mechanics and posture

  • Hands-on therapy including myofascial release and soft tissue mobilisation

  • Targeted rehab exercises to reduce tendon load and improve grip strength

  • Therapeutic Ultrasound to reduce inflammation around the tendon sheath

  • Splinting advice if rest is required

  • Progress tracking to ensure long-term recovery

  • Advice on smartphone ergonomics and thumb-friendly movement patterns

📍 Available at our clinics in:
Hendon, East Finchley, Muswell Hill, Golders Green, Kensington, Elstree, Borehamwood, Mill Hill, Hampstead and Swiss Cottage

When Should You Seek Help?

If you’ve had thumb pain for more than a few days, or if scrolling, texting, or gripping objects is becoming painful or difficult — don’t wait. Early physiotherapy can help you prevent longer-term issues and get you back to normal quicker.

📞 Book Your Appointment Today

Whether you live in NW11, N2, W8, WD6, or anywhere nearby — BOOST PHYSIO is here to help. Our experienced MSK physiotherapists will assess your condition and guide you through a personalised treatment plan.