Do YOU suffer from 'scroller thumb'? Fitness experts reveal four simple exercises to prevent painful cramping caused by using your phone - from 'the squeeze' to 'the finger bend'

• Smartphones can cause 'scroller thumb', which is where hands begin to cramp
• British-based OriGym revealed four simple exercises to combat the condition
• They include The Squeeze, which sees a stress ball being used to relax fingersThey are the key to our social lives, our music players and schedule planners.

  But smartphones and tablets can also cause a host of health problems - including 'scroller thumb', which is where hands begin to cramp, become inflamed or get stuck in a bent position.

  Thankfully, fitness experts at British-based OriGym have revealed four simple exercises to combat the annoying - and sometimes painful - condition.

  They include The Squeeze, which sees a tennis ball or stress ball being used to relax any stiffness in your fingers, and The Resistance Exercise - featuring a rubber band to help build strength in your fingers and thumbs.

  Here, FEMAIL reveals the simple moves to help prevent 'scroller thumb'...

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  They are the key to our social lives, our music players and schedule planners. But smartphones and tablets can also cause a host of health problems - including 'scroller thumb', which is where hands begin to cramp, become inflamed or get stuck in a bent position (stock photo)

  

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  Thankfully, fitness experts at British-based OriGym have revealed four simple exercises to combat the annoying - and sometimes painful - condition. They include The Squeeze, which sees a tennis ball or stress ball being used to relax any stiffness in your fingers (above)

  The Squeeze

  For this exercise you’re going to need a tennis ball or stress ball which fits comfortably in one hand. Take the ball and squeeze it, applying pressure from your fingers, and then release. If you practice this exercise three to four times a day this will help to relax stiffness.

  The Extensor Exercise

  

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  For The Extensor Exercise move, place your hand flat on a table with your palm facing downwards. Gently try and lift each finger and the thumb off the table, one at a time (pictured)

  The common signs of 'scroller thumb'

  Here are some common symptoms of 'scroller thumb':

  • Pain or stiffness at the base of the affected thumb/finger
  • A clicking sound when you move your thumb/finger
  • Difficulty moving your thumbs or fingers when you wake up in the morning
  • Numbness in your fingertips

  For this move, place your hand flat on a table with your palm facing downwards. Gently try and lift each finger and the thumb off the table, one at a time. 

  Try and lift the tendon as far as you can without it feeling uncomfortable. Repeat this exercise three to four times a day to avoid any aches in your hand.

  The Finger Bend

  In this exercise, you will need to start by bending your thumb inwards towards your palm. 

  Then, try and touch the tip of each finger starting from first to last, holding each position for 10 seconds.  

  Doing this three to four times a day will help to strengthen your tendon muscle, according to the fitness experts.

  The Resistance Exercise

  For this one, you’re going to need a rubber band. Place the rubber band around your fingers and make sure that the thumb is included. 

  Gently, push your fingers outwards as if you are trying to open up your palm. Do this exercise about five times a day to build strength in your fingers and thumbs.

  By practising these simple exercises regularly, you should see results and alleviate any symptoms of 'scroller thumb', according to the experts at OriGym.

  

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  The Finger Bend helps to strengthen your tendon muscle, pictured left, while The Resistance Exercise features a rubber band to help build strength in your fingers and thumbs, pictured right

  WHAT IS SMARTPHONE THUMB?  

  'Smartphone thumb' is caused by the repetitive motion of typing on a smartphone keyboard.

  The movements that ones thumbs have to make while texting require force, and researchers say that this abnormal thumb bone movement could be causing pain and eventual arthritis.

  The formal name for smartphone thumb is tendinitis - an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle, according to WebMD. 

  It's most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the area, or it can be caused by a sudden, more serious injury. 

  It can be caused by gardening, house cleaning, painting and other physical activities involving repetitive arm and hand motions, including texting.