Advanced nurse practitioner Jon Gardner, who runs Norfolk Health and Joint Care, is now calling for targeted prevention to tackle the growing problem of significant joint concerns among the young.

John Gardner, the nurse practitioner who set up Norfolk Joint and Healthcare to treat hand and wrist pain. (Image: Supplied)

He said at his clinic in Norwich he had seen "significant increase" in people in their late teens and early twenties seeking treatment for hand and wrist pain caused by gaming and texting.

Mr Gardner said: “I’ve no doubt that the increase in young patients with hand and wrist pain is down to excessive phone use.

Steroid injections can ease the pain of repetitive strain injuries caused by scrolling, texting and gaming. (Image: Supplied)

“It could be texting, it could be gaming, likely a combination of both considering that so many people tend to do everything on their phone these days.

"They are young, but by the time they get to me these patients........

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