Forearm Pain/Weakness
Discussion
I thought I had some form of tennis elbow from using a computer mouse too much (rolling scrolling) as I developed a painful right forearm (muscles/tendons on top) and weakness when extended and gripping.
Now a little concerned as it has appeared in my left arm too, both arms now quite badly weakened and painful to lift anything (like shopping bags etc).
It almost feels like it gets worse after a nights sleep, almost like the blood supply has been restricted. A dull ache right through the elbow joint, very occasionally extending to wrist or shoulder.
I don't do weights and live (most of the time) in Saudi so visiting a decent doctor is almost out of the question....
Any ideas from the PH Physios?
Now a little concerned as it has appeared in my left arm too, both arms now quite badly weakened and painful to lift anything (like shopping bags etc).
It almost feels like it gets worse after a nights sleep, almost like the blood supply has been restricted. A dull ache right through the elbow joint, very occasionally extending to wrist or shoulder.
I don't do weights and live (most of the time) in Saudi so visiting a decent doctor is almost out of the question....
Any ideas from the PH Physios?
Are you desk-based?
I'm having physio for elbow problems at present and mine stem from a) the fact that I keep smacking my elbow on stuff; and b) I sit at a desk moving a mouse around all day.
My treatment consists of specific high-volume triceps work in the gym 2-3 times per week (in addition to all the other stuff I do).
Would strongly suggest you visit a decent sports physio for an assessment.
I'm having physio for elbow problems at present and mine stem from a) the fact that I keep smacking my elbow on stuff; and b) I sit at a desk moving a mouse around all day.
My treatment consists of specific high-volume triceps work in the gym 2-3 times per week (in addition to all the other stuff I do).
Would strongly suggest you visit a decent sports physio for an assessment.
If it's tennis elbow it's most likely extensor carpi radialis brevis that is the culprit. Look up eccentric strengthening exercises for this muscle and also look up active release technique for wrist extensors. If you can find the right spot this is something that's easy to do yourself.
You should also stretch the muscle LOTS. You can do this by straightening your elbow out, pointing your wrist down (fingers facing the floor), slightly rotating the forearm so your fingers are pointing approx 30degrees AWAY from you, and getting your other hand and applying pressure in this direction to allow for a stretch. Do this for 15-20 seconds, repeat both sides 3-5x all in one go....then do that lot 3-5x (or more!) per day.
Hope that makes sense, but without being there and showing you what to do it's very difficult. If you get stuck send me a PM and I'll see if we can come up with a more clear way of helping you out.
I've treated loads of patients with tennis elbow and it generally responds really well, but it can be a stubborn sod and requires frequent wor (ie effort on your part!!)
Ross
You should also stretch the muscle LOTS. You can do this by straightening your elbow out, pointing your wrist down (fingers facing the floor), slightly rotating the forearm so your fingers are pointing approx 30degrees AWAY from you, and getting your other hand and applying pressure in this direction to allow for a stretch. Do this for 15-20 seconds, repeat both sides 3-5x all in one go....then do that lot 3-5x (or more!) per day.
Hope that makes sense, but without being there and showing you what to do it's very difficult. If you get stuck send me a PM and I'll see if we can come up with a more clear way of helping you out.
I've treated loads of patients with tennis elbow and it generally responds really well, but it can be a stubborn sod and requires frequent wor (ie effort on your part!!)
Ross
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