arm pain from huge smartphones - recommendations for devices please!

[anewbook]

I have an old Iphone that I have been using for years. I don't have any other devices except a work laptop. I have an almost continuous pain in my right arm and hand from using my Iphone as it is big! Nowadays most phones seem huge.
The pain gets better if I have a break from scrolling etc. As soon as I start again it comes back immediately.

It seems most friends etc have an Ipad or tablet that they use in addition to a smart phone. I was wondering if this would help reduce the strain on my arms/hand. Especially if combined with some sort of stand perhaps.

I was wondering what devices other mumsnetters have? when do you use them? and any other tips to prevent pain in arms etc (repetitve strain, carpal tunnel etc).

I spend a couple of hours a day on my phone for what it's worth: checking news, work what's app, researching and of course mumsnet! But definitely not hours and hours.

Any help appreciated.

I refuse to buy the latest phones for this exact reason. I have a Samsung S21 and it's about as big as I'm willing to go. The iPhone 11 has a small version I think which is what DS requested as he didn't want a big phone either.

You need to go into the shop and basically make your decision based on how it feels in your hand. Don't let them try to fob you off with th big flashy new ones and the extra super duper camera. You very likely don't need that. You need a perfectly adequate smart phone that fits comfortably in your hand.

Apple do an iPhone 13 mini. I can't buy anymore Samsungs at the moment because they're just too big. I currently have a Google Pixel 6a which is the smallest phone I could find - not willing to go back to Apple - but it's an awful phone and very basic compared to the Samsungs.

Stop using your big phone so much? Or here's an idea, try holding it in your left hand. Or put it on speaker phone.

An iPad or Tablet will be even bigger.

I have a Unihertz Jelly 2. Smallest smartphone I could find. (In the search, I was finding lists of 'small smartphones' where ""small"" was 5" across!)

Are you getting pain from repetitive small movements (scrolling) or from holding the weight of the phone?

Seems odd to get pain from just a couple of hours.

I would see a physiotherapist before committing to any new tech, to be honest.

I have an Apple I phone 12 mini, for that very reason - I wanted a phone small enough to fit in one hand comfortably. I get pain in my wrists with too much phone use!

I have an I Pad to use at home; but I pair it with an Apple keyboard so I can touch type, rather than using one finger/thumb, for the occasional email.

If I am really doing long documents, I have a laptop, although iirc, ergonomically they are not the best either - but it doesn’t cause me any pain!

thanks all for your comments.

@Knullrufs The pain I get is triggered in particular by scrolling and typing. But also just holding the thing in my hands is awkward as I don't have giant hands which is why I was wondering about getting a cheap ipad/tablet with a stand and one of those touch pen things.

It is the only device I have aside from a work laptop. It is still going strong despite being 8 years old so I will keep using it til it stops working. I do alternate hands and am currently using my left hand however that just results in the pain starting up in the left arm/hand. I have been using the mike function more for dictating messages.

Buy a stretchy strap to stick on the back of your phone so you don't have to use your whole hand to hold it.

Or a Pop Socket.

The new iPhones are much lighter!

I've had bad carpel tunnel in the past as I have to use my phone hours a day, mostly scrolling for work. Now I have a pop socket to help with holding it and means I can stretch my thumb more when scrolling.
I wear a carpel tunnel brace every night on my hand and frequent breaks to shake out and stretch the hand, 8 used to try and put it down on my desk lots and scroll with other fingers but that just ended up hurting my neck!

I have a number of these

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flexible-Mobile-Holder-Hands-Free-Smartphone/dp/B092PXY613

in strategic locations throughout the house, on my bedside table, my desk, by the sofa and in the kitchen. Some on a clamp, others just rest of the surface. Clamp better

Google swan neck iPhone holder and you will see all sorts.

@FinallyHere these look amazing! I didn't even know such a thing existed.
Thanks!