A Matter of Perspective
I think I have “cell phone” elbow. . .
It’s similar to “tennis” elbow but it is created by the constant folding of my elbow to look at my cell phone instead of playing tennis (which would be good for me!).
My curiosity got me wondering if “cell phone” elbow was an actual thing.
Of course, it is a thing.
Here’s part of what I learned about it, although, I already guessed most of this.
“This pinch and subsequent elbow pain can occur after your elbows have been bent over for long periods at a time due to—for example—extended cell phone use. It’s the reason why cubital tunnel syndrome is more popularly known as “cell phone elbow.”
“It can also feel like the widely-known ‘tennis elbow’ if the ulnar nerve becomes overly stretched over the lateral epicondyle.
“Despite its unscientific names, cubital tunnel syndrome can also emerge if you sleep in an elbow-bent position, among other things.”
Well, I know my elbow hurts. It hurts when I keep it bent. It hurts when I straighten it.
I do sleep on that arm all the time, too, so that is probably another good reason that I often wake up with a painful elbow.
It has been especially painful over the last few days, however.
I have been playing a new game on my phone, perhaps that is why. I spend a lot of hours with my arm bent looking at my phone to play this game.
I was told that my “trigger” thumb may be because of cell phone use, too, because I am constantly scrolling or typing with my thumbs.
Ugh!
Here are the symptoms of “cell phone” elbow.
“Cell phone elbow symptoms are virtually limited to strange sensations like tingling or numbness in your outer fingers or uncomfortable tightness, ache or pain in your elbow.
“Whether it’s from a cell phone, gaming or texting, the ulnar nerve can get pinched in your elbow and cause pain. To figure out which type of CTS you might have someone should look at your hand for signs of swelling or bruising. If there is no swelling or bruising, then you may have neuropathy, which is likely the result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves). This often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, as well as the carpal tunnel syndrome throughout the wrists and hands.”
UGH!
I am looking for some home remedies for treating my “cell phone” elbow because I surely do not want to have another surgery on that hand/arm.
The neuropathy is a real concern, as well, since I have diabetic neuropathy in my feet and lower legs already and have felt the same sensations in my hands, now, too.
I’ll tell you what, if I had known I was going to live as long as I have, I would have treated my body a lot better. I mean A LOT better!
The moral of this story is simple: take care of your body, you only get one (unless you want to go through life with a lot of replacement parts!).