As technology has evolved, so have simple items like watches. While the traditional wearables were only for telling the time and date, the modern smartwatch now does almost everything a mobile phone can do. However, many are worried about whether this incredible gadget may negatively affect the user.
So, can an Apple Watch cause nerve damage? Research has not given concrete proof of any connection between wearing Apple watches and nerve damage issues. However, excessive use of smartwatches can worsen symptoms of preexisting nerve complications in the wrist like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Also, you may feel uncomfortable when you have it on for most of the day due to straining or wearing it wrongly.
Apple watches have become a big deal since they are sleek and convenient. On the contrary, support forums flood with complaints from owners about how the devices make them feel, especially after long hours of use. The goal is to investigate how true these claims are and understand the connection to severe complications like nerve damage.
No research concludes that Apple watches or any other smartwatch causes nerve damage or Carpal Tunnel syndrome. The only factual claim is that wearing an Apple Watch can worsen an existing nerve condition, not instigate it.
In most cases, any discomfort from wearing the gadget is due to improper or prolonged use, which strains the arm the more you handle other tasks. Therefore, it is advisable to take it off if you feel any pain or don’t need it, particularly if you have a nerve damage history or related conditions.
When you open forums and Apple discussion groups, you may bump into a hoard of users stating that they feel pain from their shoulders to their wrist when wearing their smartwatches. Most of these issues are attributed to CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), where patients feel their hands numb after pinching their wrist nerves. It may result from the nerve’s anatomy, repeated stress on the hand, or underlying conditions.
Admittedly, there have been comprehensive studies about the effects of cellular gadgets on the user’s health, but none has proof that Apple watches cause nerve damage. The only relationship between the two is that repetitive use causes CTS, and anyone would argue that it applies to users who have their watches on for the better part of the day.
Scientifically, having a smartwatch on is not enough reason to instigate such a severe illness. However, an Apple Watch can aggravate a preexisting nerve condition on the wrist the more the patient wears it. It compresses the nerves and can easily make the symptoms worse if you have a history of CTS or it is gradually developing.
Therefore, doctors recommend taking the watch off whenever you experience CTS symptoms like shock, numbness, twitching, or arm weakness. Moreover, it is wise to avoid wrist wearables if you have preexisting nerve issues.
Since there are no concrete findings relating nerve issues to wearing Apple watches, there must be a logical explanation why you would feel relieved when you take them off. Primarily, you may not be wearing the watch properly, and it can easily squeeze your wrist nerves if too tight, too high on the arm, or you wear it for long hours every day. You can ease the discomfort by taking it off when not in use, removing it occasionally, or loosening the grip.
How To Avoid Pain When Wearing an Apple Watch?
Besides displaying the time, an Apple Watch is a daily companion that can be handy in a life-threatening situation. It is a worthy investment that you should always have without fearing that it has negative side effects. If you want to benefit from an Apple Watch fully, it is best to learn how to wear it correctly.
To avoid pain when wearing an Apple Watch, Apple advises that you get the proper band size during purchase and that the watch should be snug (not too tight) when you need the sensors but loose afterward to be comfortable. Experts also recommend trying out various brands to ensure that you are not allergic to certain materials.
Moreover, avoid wearing it for a long time, remove it occasionally, or wear it on the other wrist. Lastly, it is best to consult a doctor if you have any pain or numbness, even when you take them off. If the pain persists, it will help to stop wearing the Apple Watch for a while, unless with a doctor’s approval.
Although the smartwatch is an essential gadget that helps in most daily tasks, experts warn users of the side effects of prolonged use. If you have it on an entire day, it will inevitably be uncomfortable at some point, vulnerable to pressures of everyday use. You will also be susceptible to pain, particularly if you don’t wear it properly. Luckily, some helpful tips can reduce the ache and improve your device’s longevity.
Before buying an Apple watch, the first step should involve thorough trials to find the perfect watch. You can try out various band sizes to ensure that you get one that is not too bulky or too tiny according to your wrist size.
Secondly, it is critical to test out various band materials to confirm that you are not allergic to your choice watch. Other users opt for solo loops or alternative bands if the actual one fails to fit.
The watch’s fit plays a major role in causing or reducing wrist pain. If you wear it for exercise and need your vital statistics, you can make it snug but loosen it immediately. The snug doesn’t have to be too tight because the grip can compress the nerves and make the watch uncomfortable. To be certain, you can insert your pinky finger beneath the watch to measure the amount of space between it and your wrist.
In other cases, properly wearing an Apple Watch means switching it to the other hand after some time to ease the pressure on one wrist. The non-dominant side will be more comfortable and may display more accurate readings.
You can also shift it slightly higher or lower to avoid constant use on one spot and excessive sweating in the area. Consider placing a tape beneath the watch or applying a covering medicated powder if you have skin issues.
Does the Apple Watch Give off Radiation?
There are health concerns involving using electronic gadgets like phones, with experts stating that they emit high radiation levels. There’s little that Apple watches cannot do, and they can effortlessly replace phones, leading to worries that they also give off radiation.
An Apple Watch will likely subject you to an electromotive force (EMF) radiation type. The device emits radiant energy straight onto your skin when it communicates to your handset. When you use the Apple watch’s cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities, you can expect some beams to exude, the same thing with smartphones.
Luckily, the emissions are not too high, especially for users who use the watches occasionally. Scientists are still working to prove the extent of harm to the user, but for now, you can rest easy knowing that the radiation is not a serious concern for you or your loved ones.
You know that Apple watches exude some emissions, although not in excessive harmful amounts. The beams from the device are not lethal to the user because the watch’s amazing design significantly reduces the waves that bounce off the gadget. Therefore, you can wear the accessory whenever you want without fear of subjecting your body to destructive frequencies.
Still, remember that prolonged use of Apple watches while tethering them to iDevices for several hours a day exposes you to more of these rays. Thus, although the watch emits less invasive radiation, it is still essential to be very careful when using it. It is advisable to take the necessary precautions to reduce the transfer of harmful emissions, and it is not a good idea to wear the watch day and night.
You can take it off when you need to charge it or when going to sleep. Sometimes, you can occasionally remove it if it gets uncomfortable or for your wrists to take a break. The more you remove the gadget, the more you avoid radiation effects. If you are a cautious user and want to be very sure, there are radiation harmonizers that you can wear together with the watch to monitor the emission levels.
The watchband completely blocks the EMF radiations from penetrating your skin. Secondly, reducing wireless connection via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is another way to significantly lower emissions. Wireless links use radio frequencies that give off radiation, but you immensely minimize your chances of exposure to EMF by reducing such links.
Thankfully, Apple watches give off weak non-ionizing emissions. It means that you can use the device without developing any radiation effects. Moreover, researchers haven’t yet found tangible data supporting the impact of the beams released by the smartwatch.
However, although EMF isn’t lethal, it is still critical to take necessary precautions to avoid excessive exposure. For instance, avoid overusing the gadget, and if you must, ensure that you wear a radiation shield.
Can Apple Watch Shock You?
Since its inception, the Apple Watch has wowed users with unbeatable features. Besides telling time, it can also track vital health details that you may need, such as the heart rate. It is best to know all the potential health risks despite the incredible capabilities.
The Apple Watch doesn’t have enough power to shock you or hurt you unless your battery is faulty due to mishandling or if the device has a manufacturing issue. Interestingly, some apps work by slightly shocking you according to your settings.
Since the watch can monitor alcohol levels in your blood, the app makes it shock you when you are too drunk and want to text a phone contact. Secondly, when you exceed the minimum intake, the device will send a minor electric shock through your veins whenever you try texting people after midnight.
Apple’s smartwatch deserves all the praises it gets, given its role in daily tasks. You don’t need to worry about it shocking you when in perfect condition, and even when it does due to a malfunction, the waves will be too mild to harm you. However, some users that have reported severe shock that leaves their wrists red and aching for a long time might have suffered a battery malfunction.
Additionally, the Apple Watch can cause a slight shock when you install the drunk texting app to bar you from making wrong decisions when you are too intoxicated. Otherwise, to avoid serious, shocking incidents, it is best to strictly follow Apple’s precautions. First, ensure that your smartwatch is in mint condition and doesn’t break or have visible cracks because slits can let in moisture and shock your wrist.
Therefore, it’s advisable to find a replacement soon if your watch is damaged. Also, avoid disassembling it when trying to repair it; otherwise, you may interfere with vital components and make it susceptible to shocks. Similarly, it is not a great idea to make battery replacements on the watch alone. The dry cell is delicate, and you will likely interfere with internal components causing excessive heating.
These may result in intermittent shocking effects that damage your skin and ruin the watch. The lithium-ion battery inside is Apple’s responsibility, and only the staff or an authorized agent can properly replace it. Additionally, the company recommends charging the wristwatch with Apple accessories.
Use the included adapter and magnetic charging cable or case depending on the smartwatch’s design. A 5W lightning cable and adapter marked with the MFi logo are acceptable for the smartwatch. If you use a faulty or unrecommended charging component, you risk battery malfunctions that may cause shocking effects.
Summary
Apple is always keen to design devices that are safe for the user. Although some paint smartwatches as hazards, the Apple Watch is safe for you and your loved ones. There is no evidence that it can cause CTS or any other nerve complication, only that excessive use can escalate the symptoms in a patient.
Therefore, it is best to limit how long you wear it daily and wear it correctly to be safe. There is also nothing to worry about regarding radiation levels because they are too low to cause severe effects on the user. Similarly, the smartwatch cannot shock you unless it has a malfunction issue due to breakage or interference with internal components.
