The use of technology in daily activities is becoming more and more popular. With the use of smart phones, tablets, and computers, more physical ailments are occurring.
One such ailment is selfie elbow. This is a type of tendinitis similar to “tennis elbow”. The discomfort and pain is caused by inflammation in the tendons that run along the arm from the hand to the elbow. The position that one takes when taking a selfie comprises the body. The arm extends out, holding the phone and with that same arm, grips the phone to take the picture. This is not a position our bodies are designed to do.
Some signs and symptoms associated with selfie elbow:
– pain, possibly tenderness, at the outer area of the elbow.
– weaker than usual grip strength.
– pain- perhaps discomfort that may travel from the elbow down to the forearm, into the wrists and hands.
– pain in the dominant selfie taking arm.
Reducing selfie picture taking can help decrease the symptoms of selfie elbow.
Icing the area may help decrease the inflammation Massage can also help reduce the discomfort associated with selfie elbow.