The Apple Watch is becoming popular as a fitness tracker with some users worrying about its safety. Users online continue to air their concerns about this device, with some complaining of wrist pain after wearing Apple’s watch.
So, can the Apple Watch cause hand and wrist pain? The Apple Watch may hurt your hand and wrist causing pain depending on how you wear it. If you frequently adjust your wristwatch, you will probably experience some pain in your wrist due to the circular movement and compression of your nerves. You will also experience pain if you wear your watch too tightly. Other users attribute this pain to the watch’s low power radio signals, given its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features.
While smartwatches have been in existence for a while, it was until 2010 that they became popular and more people started wearing them. Users play music, check the weather, set fitness goals, keep their heart rate in check, and check directions using these watches. However, the benefits of these watches come at a cost, with some experiencing hand and wrist pain.
Generally, the pain from wearing your Apple Watch has more to do with how you wear your watch than the radiofrequency. The nerve compression from wearing your watch too tightly for long hours explains the almost immediate relief after removing it.
If you wear your watch, the continuous pressure on your nerves can lead to nerve damage. This damage will present itself as tingling, numbness, or weakness in your muscles. Unfortunately, if you continue wearing your watch the wrong way, the pain will transfer to your shoulders.
If you log in to Apple forums, you will find users attributing their wrist pain to wearing the Apple Watch. Some express that the pain feels like pinching, with the reasoning behind this claim being the radiofrequency from the watch, while others say that they experience pain when they wear the watch wrongly.
Since the Apple Watch uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, it emits some EMF signals. There are many studies on the adverse effects of EMF from cellular devices, but there is no conclusive evidence that the radiofrequency from the watch causes this pain. Even then, most consumers highlighted that they experienced relief after taking off their smart Apple Watch, hence one cannot ignore the possibility of EMF radiation causing discomfort.
While the experience differs among individuals, most pains result from wearing the watch too high on your arm or wearing it too tight. You can solve this by wearing your smartwatch more on your arm than your wrist to avoid or reduce the pain. While this is almost impossible during high-intensity exercise, you can practice it during your leisure.
Alternatively, loosen your watch or wear it on the opposite side and check for any improvements. If the pain persists and the watch is not uncomfortable on your wrist, you might also have an underlying health condition requiring medical attention.
Another complaint about the discomfort from Apple’s smartwatch is skin irritation. If you get rashes or pain from using a smartwatch, you are probably allergic to the watch material. Hence, check the metal and dyes against your allergies to ensure your comfort during use. You can also remedy this by wearing your watch properly to give your skin some breathing space or taking it off occasionally to reduce constant contact.
As stated earlier, the Apple Watch is a smart device. As a smart device, this watch features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and will emit EMF radiation. However, while EMF radiation can cause this pain, there is no evidence that the radiation from a smartwatch is strong enough to cause health issues.
According to the CDC, the radiofrequency from this watch has no links to health problems. Also, since the manufacturer adheres to the Federal Communications Commission standards on RF frequency, users do not have to worry about overexposure. Even then, you should wear your watch the right way to avoid pain.
Your Apple Watch is a lifesaver and probably why you have not had medical emergencies. Taking advantage of this watch’s benefits is more necessary than focusing more on the pain from wearing it wrongly.
Fortunately, if you feel pain on your wrist as soon as you wear your Apple Watch, you can try a few tips to save the situation. According to Apple, the watch should rest properly on your wrist for the sensors to work.
As such, consider tightening the watch during workouts only and loosening it afterward. Even then, the fitting should be snug to avoid hurting your arms from too much pressure. For the most comfortable fit, leave a pinky finger’s space between your skin and watch
During purchase, consider the correct band size and material. You can check the materials and models available for any allergic reactions and avoid those that can irritate your wrist. If your original band does not fit, consider an alternative or Solo Loop.
If you consider the latter, be aware that they can lengthen over time, in which case, you should be ready for a replacement. Lastly, you can try wearing your watch on your non-dominant hand. This way, you will ensure comfort and achieve a better fit.
Are Apple Watches Bad for Your Wrist?
Wearing a watch should be safe, but some people report some pain or discomfort when wearing watches. If you are among these people, then a wristwatch may not be ideal.
Apple Watches are not bad for your wrist. However, if you wear them wrongly, you will likely suffer some pain due to nerve pressure. Given that nerves control the body sensations, you will experience discomfort from wearing the watch and some relief after removing it.
Other risks of wearing your Apple Watch too tightly include muscle cramps and poor blood circulation. Some people attribute the discomfort to EMF since the Apple Watch is a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular device.
Wearing your Apple Watch may also be bad for your wrist if you have an underlying condition. The pain may worsen if you wear your watch too tight. This is also the case for individuals allergic to steel, gold, rubber, or leather.
To reduce the pain from compressed nerves caused by wearing your watch tightly, you should pick a perfect fit for your wrist. You should avoid wearing your watch too loose or too tight. A very tight watch will leave imprints and marks on your skin or dig into your wrist, causing discomfort, numbness, or restricted blood flow. You should equally avoid loosely fitting watches as they may slide easily from your wrist. A loose watch will also not serve its purpose, especially during workouts.
Lastly, you should avoid wearing your wristwatch too tight as this may exacerbate the pain from an underlying health condition. For instance, if you have joint pain due to arthritis or other disorders, wearing your watch too tight will worsen the pain.
Can Apple Watch Cause Joint Pain?
The Apple Watch is growing in popularity with millions of sales online, making Apple dominate the smartwatch market. Users like this watch for its convenience, including reading texts without touching the phone and tracking their footsteps and heart rate. Despite its convenience, this watch features several side effects, and I will help you know its relation to joint pains.
Wearing your Apple wristwatch too tightly or wrongly will result in joint pain. Just like any other outfit, fitting is very important. You should be very comfortable wearing your wristwatch throughout the day and be able to move your arms freely without pain or discomfort. In addition to joint pain, wearing your watch too tightly will cause muscle cramps and affect blood circulation.
While the Apple Watch should fit properly during exercise for the readings to be accurate, wearing your watch tightly for more extended hours will lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, according to most users. This condition causes tingling or numbness in your hands. However, you will discover that your Apple Watch did not cause the syndrome but rather aided in the detection.
Even then, you should not wear your watch too loosely as it may slide easily from your hands, and you can lose it. I am sure you are not thinking of investing in a new watch soon and taking good care of the one you own is vital.
Wearing your watch tightly on top of your wrist bone will cause pain. Many users online agree that by wearing their watches on the wrist, they were pressing a vein near the wrist bone, hence the discomfort. If this is the case with you, try wearing your watch above your wrist bone as this allows you a wide range of motion, and the watch will sit properly on your hand without causing pain.
An existing medical condition, such as arthritis or other joint problems, may worsen if you wear your watch tightly. You will also need to be selective on the material of the band you wear on your wrist since steel and leather may worsen the pain.
EMF exposure is another issue that users pin to the Apple Watches. Generally, prolonged exposure to EMF is damaging to an individual’s health. The Apple Watch operates on cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections.
These functions use EMF to transmit data from one device to the other. EMF radiation has a link to health problems, and this knowledge makes users feel unsafe wearing these watches. It is no wonder some users attribute their joint pains to EMF radiation.
However, Apple is clear on the EMF radiation from its smartwatches. The company claims that its watches are safe for humans, given their compliance with the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) regulations.
While this boosts our confidence to some extent, it is vital to understand the impact of EMF when it comes to exposure. For instance, you should consider the distance from the EMF source. Generally, the closer you are to the source, the more likely the damage to your health. Another factor is the duration you spend with the device emitting the EMF.
Since your body will absorb the EMF from the device, the longer the exposure time, the higher the risks. Hence, while the Apple Watch emits a significantly lower EMF than your laptop and mobile phone, you should consider these factors to stay safe.
Hypersensitive individuals will experience electro hypersensitivity to EMF. In most cases, the symptoms are minor, and individuals will have headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, stress, burning sensations, and skin pricking.
While there is no scientific evidence backing this up, taking precautions is necessary given that EMF is generally harmful to animals, humans, and the environment. Thus, avoid wearing your Apple Watch for too long to reduce exposure. You can also wear your watch loosely, avoid the watch for a few days, or use EMF shielding.
Using your watch in Airplane mode is also an effective way of reducing the EMF side effects. In this mode, you will be able to utilize your watch’s functionality with minimum exposure to radiofrequency emissions.
Among the things you can do in Airplane mode include checking your heart rate, tracking workouts, and viewing your photos. If the symptoms continue even with the above precautions, you should consult your doctor, as you could have an underlying medical condition requiring attention.
Wrap Up
The Apple Watch is one of the must-have devices for a smoother life. This device enables you to track your bodily functions and offers the convenience you need to run your life daily. Despite these benefits, users online complain of hand, wrist, and joint pains after wearing this watch. The pain disappeared after removing the watch or wearing it in the opposite hand for some people.
Generally, the Apple Watch is a safe device, and despite the EMF arguments surrounding it, Apple successfully defends itself given its full compliance with the SAR regulations. As such, only hypersensitive individuals with underlying health conditions may experience discomfort from the watch due to EMF radiation.
The larger majority will experience pain and discomfort from wearing the watch wrongly. That is, wearing it too tightly and in the wrong position. Hence, to reduce the pain and discomfort, wear your watch snugly and for limited hours.
