By: Linda Vongkhamchanh

Jun 16, 2009

Beware, tech-savvy sister, of twenty-first century injuries that are creeping up on the young and elderly alike due to our high-tech culture. Put down your phone and listen up. Doctors are seeing more and more cases everyday of “techie ailments,” such as cell phone elbow, Blackberry thumbs and Nintendinitis. And, what do they all have in common? Our overzealous liking of technology. Just like we can’t let go of our smart phones for five minutes, we can’t seem to play the Nintendo Wii without not only beating our friends and family to conquer the Wii Tennis championships but also getting a stress injury in the process. At-home gamers and chatty phone users are getting the same injuries that Yankees players are getting these days. However, it can be avoided with some extra cautious measures—why not leave the ailments to the pros.

Cell Phone Elbow
Symptoms: Tingling sensation in the arm and difficulty using hands
Cause: Overuse of one’s cell phone by holding a phone up to the ear for extended periods of time. The ulnar nerve close to the funny bone is stretched from excessive use. It can lead to cubital tunnel syndrome, which could require surgery and deformation of the fingers.
Prevention: Um, Bluetooth all the way. While a handless device is the best preventative measure, you can also try minimizing phone conversations or make sure you’re switching arms often.

On a call? Do a workout right at your desk >>

Blackberry or Texting Thumbs
Symptoms: Inflammation of the thumb joints and surrounding tendons
Cause: Excessive texting on a mobile device (Yes, this includes text messages, BBMs, Twittering, all of the above!)
Prevention: Use other fingers? While that may work, be conscious of how much you’re texting. Instead of pounding your thumbs on your mobile keyboard, try using the "call" feature of your phone. It may just even be quicker.

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Nintendinitis: orthopedic injuries from excessive use of the Nintendo Wii. The following conditions could occur:

Wii Knee
Symptoms: Sprains, pains or soreness in the knees
Cause: Overexertion of one’s knees while playing Wii games such as Slalom Ski or running on a virtual trail
Prevention: Warm up. It’s simple. If you don’t work out regularly, make sure you get a good warm up before starting. Most importantly, if you wouldn’t work out for six hours, make sure you’re not committing to a Wii marathon anytime soon. 

Wii Shoulder/Elbows/Wrists
Symptoms: Pain, inflammation or stress in the shoulder, elbows or wrists
Cause: Forcefully swinging arms in games such as Wii Boxing, Tennis or Bowling
Prevention: Avoid prolonged use of the Wii. Remember to take breaks. And most importantly, you don’t really have to swing your arm that hard to get the desired result. It’s the best part of the game—you can knock someone out without using full force. Try it.

Try these 5 easiest exercises ever... no Wii needed >>

Always use caution and/or consult a physician before beginning any exercise program, the Wii included.