Cell Phone Elbow: Talking on Cell Phone May Damage Nerves

Orthopedic specialists have recently reported a condition known as cubital tunnel syndrome, or "cell phone elbow", where an important nerve in the arm is damaged because the elbow was bent too tightly for too long. The damage is a result of prolonged stretching of the nerve that occurs when someone holds a phone up to their ear for a long period of time, reducing blood circulation to the nerves. Symptoms usually include tingling or numb pinky and ring fingers as well as potentially decreased ability to type, write, play instruments, or complete other dextrous tasks.

Cubital tunnel syndrome can also result from:

• leaning on one's elbow for too long, too often
• resting elbows on the arm of a chair or wheelchair
• sleeping on one's elbow or with it overly bent
• typing with elbows bent more than 90 degrees
  

For those with smartphones or hands-free sets, don't worry about being left out: any day now, experts expect to hear reports of iPhone thumb and Wii wrist.