Discussion
I've always played a fair bit of racquet sports (squash mostly), never had any trouble with my elbow apart from a spur (which is like an extra sensitive 'funny bone', but otherwise doesn't give any trouble). Last couple of weeks though, I've been in agony with another part of my elbow/top of my forearm. It's on the outside of the elbow, and the end of the bone (radius?) on the side feels very tender. Any kind of palm down lifting is painful (palm up feels almost fine). Even just gripping with my hand, I can feel the tenderness at the top of my fore arm. Basically I can't do anything with my dominant hand/arm without it hurting to some extent. Google suggests these are all classic tennis elbow symptoms, although I guess it just might be radial tunnel syndrome (again, from google).
It came on really suddenly, and wasn't caused by the squash, but that is now seriously aggravating it. I think I did it whilst gardening, shifting some heavy barrows full of soil. I rested it for about a week, and it was starting to feel quite a bit better, then I just picked up something yesterday with my arm out stretched, and now it's as bad as ever.
Was thinking about some anti inflammatory gel or cream for it. Any suggestions on over the counter, or could I get something better on prescription? Haven't been to the GP in 10 years, don't want to waste their time with something trivial if there's no point, but I guess it could possibly be something else?
It came on really suddenly, and wasn't caused by the squash, but that is now seriously aggravating it. I think I did it whilst gardening, shifting some heavy barrows full of soil. I rested it for about a week, and it was starting to feel quite a bit better, then I just picked up something yesterday with my arm out stretched, and now it's as bad as ever.
Was thinking about some anti inflammatory gel or cream for it. Any suggestions on over the counter, or could I get something better on prescription? Haven't been to the GP in 10 years, don't want to waste their time with something trivial if there's no point, but I guess it could possibly be something else?
I had tennis elbow last year and took about nine months to get better, mine was after digging in the garden also.
The only thing that I found helped was specific exercises for Tennis Elbow, I think it was the hammer curl that helped me the most. If you have a search, there are plenty of websites that suggest useful exercises.
The only thing that I found helped was specific exercises for Tennis Elbow, I think it was the hammer curl that helped me the most. If you have a search, there are plenty of websites that suggest useful exercises.
Have a look through the Search option on these forums
We had a right ding doing on PH about Tennis Elbow, which you may or may not have, about 6 months ago.
The evidence says wait, voodoo, stop aggravating it, non steroidal gel (eg ketoprofen from GP), physio, and other things all work in differing amounts. We can't agree on the amounts.
I know what made mine better. I can read scientific evidence.
We had a right ding doing on PH about Tennis Elbow, which you may or may not have, about 6 months ago.
The evidence says wait, voodoo, stop aggravating it, non steroidal gel (eg ketoprofen from GP), physio, and other things all work in differing amounts. We can't agree on the amounts.
I know what made mine better. I can read scientific evidence.
The_Doc said:
Have a look through the Search option on these forums
We had a right ding doing on PH about Tennis Elbow, which you may or may not have, about 6 months ago.
The evidence says wait, voodoo, stop aggravating it, non steroidal gel (eg ketoprofen from GP), physio, and other things all work in differing amounts. We can't agree on the amounts.
I know what made mine better. I can read scientific evidence.
I think I've found the thread you mean, although it's only from a month ago? PH searches never seem the best though. Even the most basic day to day tasks are aggravating it at the moment, literally picking up a plate or a cup gives me twinges.We had a right ding doing on PH about Tennis Elbow, which you may or may not have, about 6 months ago.
The evidence says wait, voodoo, stop aggravating it, non steroidal gel (eg ketoprofen from GP), physio, and other things all work in differing amounts. We can't agree on the amounts.
I know what made mine better. I can read scientific evidence.
Presume ketoprofen gel is more potent than ibuprofen and other over the counter gels?
This is doing my head in already - I'm finding it impossible to rest it fully. Obviously I've stopped playing squash, but it seems like so much stuff in everyday life is aggravating it. Things like turning on a tap, opening a packet of crisps, and almost anything that involves gripping or lifting.
Also, the pain is more in the muscle now than at the elbow itself (extensor digitorum I think), feels like a pulled muscle all the way down my forearm.
Also, the pain is more in the muscle now than at the elbow itself (extensor digitorum I think), feels like a pulled muscle all the way down my forearm.
I suffered from tennis elbow for the best part of a year. Sometimes it was so bad I could barely grip anything. It was cured after I found this article on the New York Times website. I bought a red Flexbar from Amazon, looked up the exercises on YouTube and within 3 weeks I was cured. That was over 5 years ago now and I've not had a problem since 
I have had it twice with identical symptoms as yours OP. First time 2 weeks on sick and rested arm which I hate being on and I was fine. Second time not so lucky had two weeks holiday booked at time so was off and rested but was still the same. I am a HGV Technician so work was very difficult took about 6 months and lots of pain to finally clear up.
Fore Left said:
I suffered from tennis elbow for the best part of a year. Sometimes it was so bad I could barely grip anything. It was cured after I found this article on the New York Times website. I bought a red Flexbar from Amazon, looked up the exercises on YouTube and within 3 weeks I was cured. That was over 5 years ago now and I've not had a problem since
I bought a red flexbar the other week. Really need to get into the habit of doing the exercise with it. Definitely sounds like tennis elbow, which is inflammation of the tendon and not muscular. Ibuprofen gels and the like might mask the symptoms but aren't going to help it heal.
Rest, as has been said, the is only real option however I also find that using an elbow support (something like this) really helps. I had a bout a few years ago that took around 4 months to fully heal; I'm about two months into another flare-up (on the other arm) and pretty much wear a support all the time I'm awake - if I don't then just picking up a cup of coffee hurts.
Rest, as has been said, the is only real option however I also find that using an elbow support (something like this) really helps. I had a bout a few years ago that took around 4 months to fully heal; I'm about two months into another flare-up (on the other arm) and pretty much wear a support all the time I'm awake - if I don't then just picking up a cup of coffee hurts.
Fore Left said:
I suffered from tennis elbow for the best part of a year. Sometimes it was so bad I could barely grip anything. It was cured after I found this article on the New York Times website. I bought a red Flexbar from Amazon, looked up the exercises on YouTube and within 3 weeks I was cured. That was over 5 years ago now and I've not had a problem since
Just bought two of these not sure it will help because I’ve got it on both arms. Been a year and it’s just flared up to the point I pretty much can’t do anything. Started physio can’t see it doing much but I’ll try anything bought two straps as well.
Shouldn’t have waited this long. Resting is not an option due to job api. Always moving arms and lifting weights however small the pain is horrendous.
Digger said:
Rest as much as you can Pesty, It’s an RSI type of injury.
I said to the specialist and the physio I don’t know what caused it to flar up. I know what started it a year ago I picked up 90kg seated and basically raised it using my forearms and they twanged.I thought it would get better.
There is no chance of rest unless I go off on the sick I currently doing a contract on my own that used to be three people. So all the lifting and humping around we used to share is just me.
I told the physio that and she said well there is your answer to why it’s flared up.
Anyway I’ve ordered the straps and twisty things.
I had it in both elbows earlier this year although not as bad as you. I caught it early.
Doing tyler twists with the flexbar did help me, I had the red one and it was fine. You might find they aggravate it first, particularly on the elbow you're not 'working'.
I also started to stretch out my triceps which were (are) tight as it was an additional stress on my elbow joint.
I also massaged right into the elbow between the main joint and the funny bone.
I now wear compression supports when I do sports or lift weights or what ever, mainly to keep the joint warm.
I did try voodoo bands but they didn't seem to do an awful lot for me.
Although I don't think you can rest your way to recovery with something like this, I do think you need to get to a point where the inflammation has died down enough for the rehab stuff to be useful.
quite a good amount of info here - https://www.t-nation.com/training/tendonitis-cure
Doing tyler twists with the flexbar did help me, I had the red one and it was fine. You might find they aggravate it first, particularly on the elbow you're not 'working'.
I also started to stretch out my triceps which were (are) tight as it was an additional stress on my elbow joint.
I also massaged right into the elbow between the main joint and the funny bone.
I now wear compression supports when I do sports or lift weights or what ever, mainly to keep the joint warm.
I did try voodoo bands but they didn't seem to do an awful lot for me.
Although I don't think you can rest your way to recovery with something like this, I do think you need to get to a point where the inflammation has died down enough for the rehab stuff to be useful.
quite a good amount of info here - https://www.t-nation.com/training/tendonitis-cure
Quick update
It got to the point I was not able to do anything. If it was going to carry on I’d have been fired productivity basically went to nothing.
All weekend I was just resting. I wasn’t living I’m existing can’t even walk the dogs on my own they were too strong.
This might sound odd but I’m not much good at anything but I’ve always. Been strong and hard working. I could press 140 and single arm row 100kg not too long ago 7 or so years now I can’t open a packet of crisps
It’s Been effecting me mentally and physically I’ve pulled on weight like nobodies business too, eating because of the pain and pretty much stopped all exercise. Constant pain for pretty much too years.
Had my first op today 6 weeks no driving so no work. Then the other arm in 3 months .
Apparently the tendon was extreme end of damage
It got to the point I was not able to do anything. If it was going to carry on I’d have been fired productivity basically went to nothing.
All weekend I was just resting. I wasn’t living I’m existing can’t even walk the dogs on my own they were too strong.
This might sound odd but I’m not much good at anything but I’ve always. Been strong and hard working. I could press 140 and single arm row 100kg not too long ago 7 or so years now I can’t open a packet of crisps
It’s Been effecting me mentally and physically I’ve pulled on weight like nobodies business too, eating because of the pain and pretty much stopped all exercise. Constant pain for pretty much too years.
Had my first op today 6 weeks no driving so no work. Then the other arm in 3 months .
Apparently the tendon was extreme end of damage
I'm bringing this one back to life as I'm suffering again from tendonitis. As one of my colleagues is also suffering I brought my 'Flexbar' into the office and after 2 days we're both almost recovered.
So, really, the resurrection is to say: if you're suffering, just go buy a Flexbar from Theraband!! As simple as that...
So, really, the resurrection is to say: if you're suffering, just go buy a Flexbar from Theraband!! As simple as that...
I might as well update.
I had the op on the right arm, I’ve postponed the left for now.
During the op the consultant said there was extensive damage and “ he did a lot of work”
Don’t know what that meant but let’s move to the results.
My right arm was pretty much unusable It had no strength I could open a packet of crisps pinching and pulling was a no go. I couldn’t pull a plug out of the wall.
Recovery from op was slow, very slow.
I was off work for 6 weeks, elbow pain much improved. Almost no pain when not using it which is such a relief and had a bigger impact on my mental health. When in constant pain I really couldn’t be arsed to do anything.
He said it would be 6 months until we know for sure, even now 7 months later I still have forearm pain. However strength is increasing and I can actually use it.
I can now pretty much stretch it as much as normal although painful to do so
Left arm is still painful despite all that time off and physio plus the plasma therapy ( oh I had plasma therapy in that arm) it’s an improvement but not much.
Ok so why have I postponed the op. Pain currently is about equal in both arms. With the pain relief I’ve managed to get back into the gym working very slowly.
On bicep curls I really struggle with my right arm feels like bone against bone doing that movement . This is new, that was never a symptom before. I’m waiting to see if gym, plus physio exercises help before I risk the left arm.
So anyway that’s where I am, none of the gadgets helped me. Operation was somewhat of a success.
I had the op on the right arm, I’ve postponed the left for now.
During the op the consultant said there was extensive damage and “ he did a lot of work”
Don’t know what that meant but let’s move to the results.
My right arm was pretty much unusable It had no strength I could open a packet of crisps pinching and pulling was a no go. I couldn’t pull a plug out of the wall.
Recovery from op was slow, very slow.
I was off work for 6 weeks, elbow pain much improved. Almost no pain when not using it which is such a relief and had a bigger impact on my mental health. When in constant pain I really couldn’t be arsed to do anything.
He said it would be 6 months until we know for sure, even now 7 months later I still have forearm pain. However strength is increasing and I can actually use it.
I can now pretty much stretch it as much as normal although painful to do so
Left arm is still painful despite all that time off and physio plus the plasma therapy ( oh I had plasma therapy in that arm) it’s an improvement but not much.
Ok so why have I postponed the op. Pain currently is about equal in both arms. With the pain relief I’ve managed to get back into the gym working very slowly.
On bicep curls I really struggle with my right arm feels like bone against bone doing that movement . This is new, that was never a symptom before. I’m waiting to see if gym, plus physio exercises help before I risk the left arm.
So anyway that’s where I am, none of the gadgets helped me. Operation was somewhat of a success.
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