Buggered arm/elbow....

[T40ORA]

In a fair bit of pain with my right elbow - actually the front of the arm really, at the joint. Can't straighten it properly and the bottom of my bicep hurts as does the top of my forearm. Also, can't bend it properly.

I haven't had an impact injury so I'm guessing that some damage has occurred to tendons/ligaments/muscles. I'm not sure exactly when it really started; a couple of weeks ago I did some pretty heavy work on a mate's house in France and it was sore, but subsequently I have been to the gym a few times with now problem. Then on Sunday I started to become aware of it and it seems to have got worse.

I'm working away from home this week so haven't been able to see the quack or my physio, and will be away again next week which will once again make seeking first hand professional help difficult.

Any thoughts from the physiotherapist community on what I might have done and what I should do until I can see a pro - possibly Friday week?

[Z4monster]

Sounds like tennis elbow to me. I had very similar symptoms back in october last year. Went to docs who advise 6 weeks of ibuprofen to combat any inflamation and help with the pain.

After taking it the elbow is much better but not yet completely sorted. Still a little sore but nothing like it was. I couldn't reach out for a glass with my arm extended without fearing I would drop it. Now it's back to almost normal.

I did get told it could take up to a year to get better as the tendons. etc don't have a massive blood supply so take ages to repair themselves.

[MacGee]

google tennis or golf elbow...I've got the latter. very specific point of tenderness. I stretch out my arm with palm down and flex hand downwards in a limp fashion...hold for 20 secs and repeat..hurts but resolves pain.

[T40ORA]

Thanks guys. Gives me something to work with until I can see a medic. Buggers up the gym work though

[T40ORA]

Bugger. Could be up to 24 months! Better get to a physio PDQ.....

[fatboy b]

T40ORA said:

Bugger. Could be up to 24 months! Better get to a physio PDQ.....

I went to an NHS physio with my tennis elbow. fking useless she really was.

Back to the docs, and a month of anti inflamatories. Much better now, but not 100% . Now have an Aircast strap which is helping lots.

[T40ORA]

Got a couple of good sports therapists to go to. Will probably end up with a strap, and taking/applying anti inflammatories too. Started on the Ibuprofen already in fact.

[Sparkysea]

Give acupuncture a go. Can have good results

[croyde]

I had this in the past and it took nearly 24 months to sort. Tablets, Physio, Osteopath even Acupuncture but in the end it was a couple of, very painful for days, steroid injections.

Unfortunately it has just returned but forearm only. I can still do press ups but can't easily bring a cup of tea to my mouth.