4 Topic Commentaries

Nocturnal Pain in Elbow Disorders May Predict Sleep Quality

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  Shaun Mendenhall, MD

  Hand and Plastic Surgery

  •

  University of Utah Health

  When they wake up, they may find their fingers—or even their entire arm—numb. If this occurs, we recommend using a brace or splint to keep their elbows straight while sleeping.

  Source
• 

  Duc Nguyen, MD

  Orthopaedic Surgery (Hand and Upper Extremity)

  •

  Johns Hopkins Medicine – Howard County General Hospital (Musculoskeletal Center)

  When you’re on your back looking at your phone, you have to bend your elbow over 90 degrees which increases pressure on the ulnar nerve in your elbow. If your small finger falls asleep in that position, that’s a sign of cubital tunnel syndrome.

  Source
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  Ryan Calfee, MD

  Orthopaedic Surgery (Hand/Upper Extremity)

  •

  Washington University in St. Louis

  Mild nerve irritation can be effectively managed with activity modification and bracing that is designed to avoid full bending of the elbow. As the nerve becomes more involved, surgery can be performed to release the tissues that are compressing the nerve. Surgery can also be performed to move the nerve to a more protected location in the front of the elbow.

  Source
• 

  Padma Gulur, MD

  Pain Medicine (Anesthesiology)

  •

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  For chronic pain conditions, what you need is good sleeping habits from the beginning — things that will last.

  Source