Luckily, my mother was a lefty....

[grnvixen]

Anyone have any experience with tennis elbow? At least that is what I think is going on with my right elbow, could also be a touch of bursitis. Can't extend it open all the way, or completely bend it either. Picking up and gripping large/heavy objects is not good either. Had intemitten twinges here over the years but this particular problem started on saturday. By sunday I couldn't touch my nose with the right arm, which is making brushing my hair and teeth a bit of a challenge.

Which is where my mother comes in..... Being raised by a lefty I'm a little more ambidextorous than average. Can't write with the left hand but can operate a 10-key pad if need be. I'm still predominately right-handed but flexible with the left which is coming in handy right now.

I've been trying the usual joint remedies with little success so far. Iced last night which helped a little. Am trying those arthritis patchs at work today. Trying to keep using it, albeit gently, to keep the muscle limber. Swimming after work so I'll ice, then arnica gel it after that. Need to get in a bit of sewing tho. Fortunately it is small easy things.

Comments

[eleanor-deyeson.livejournal.com]

They sell braces at your local drugstore or medical supply place, which look like a 2 inch wide band you strap around your upper forearm.

Gerald was having elbow pain, and that's what the Dr recommended, and he found it amazingly effective. I'd seen the device worn by several others in the community, but never understood why.

You might try it. Also, cut back on whatever you're doing that is stressing the joint.

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I had gotten a band on sunday but can't see any improvement. I'm trying to take it easy but, it is the right arm, and I am right handed :).

[countess-e.livejournal.com]

Cire had this problem. The solution that worked for him was a course of physical therapy with somebody who really understood sports injuries, and *2 years* of doing the exercises consistently. Yes, that's a freaking long time, but this is unfortunately not unusual. Good luck, and let us know.

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I had stretches for the carpal tunnel that work pretty well, when I remember. Need to look up some for this now. See Liadain's comments below; looking more and more like bursitis. And naturally it pops up just before I was going to be stitching all weekend!!!

[bwliadain.livejournal.com]

Sure sounds like bursitis - any swelling? (Usually at the "back" of your elbow, funny-bone area). DOes it hurt to touch your elbow down on the desk, chair arm, etc?

ANyway, hope you find the right treatment - it's not a fun thing....

[grnvixen.livejournal.com]

That's what I'm starting to lean towards, since I tried the band and it didn't relieve any pain and I can't tell if it is keeping it from getting worse or not. Thanks!