Smartphone-related pain and discomfort in hand osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis: results from the monocentric cross-sectional PHONERIC study.

Abstract

Despite numerous reports of finger pain by young healthy smartphone users, no study to date evaluated the impact of hand joint diseases on smartphone use. The study assessed the prevalence and determinants of smartphone-related pain and discomfort in patients with hand osteoarthritis (HOA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In this monocentric cross-sectional study, patients with HOA, RA, or PsA completed a dedicated survey assessing smartphone use, pain, paraesthesia, and discomfort. Clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Associations with smartphone-related symptoms were evaluated using univariate and multivariable logistic regression, reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A total of 377 patients were included (174 RA, 102 PsA, 101 HOA; mean age 61.2 years; 73.2% women). Among the 343 smartphone users, 25-30% reported pain or discomfort, with significantly higher prevalence in HOA patients (40-45%, p<0.001). Symptoms were more frequent in women (p<0.05) and were associated with higher VAS pain (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.22-1.52), higher VAS disease activity (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.17-1.48), greater tender joint count (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.06-1.24), and longer daily smartphone use (p<0.05). Radiographic erosions and deformities were not significantly associated. Functional scores (FIHOA, HAQ, Cochin) correlated with symptoms. Smartphone-related pain and discomfort are common in rheumatic hand diseases, especially HOA, and are linked to patient-reported disease activity and functional impairment. These findings highlight the interest to include digital device use in functional assessments of hand arthritis.