Tennis Elbow

[thelewisgang]

I have this painful condition which started a couple of weeks ago in my left elbow. I always thought it was caused by over use but I hardly use this arm at all as I have a disabled left hand caused by a mess up with trigger fingers a few years ago. My tendons in that hand are very prominent & tight with one finger is permanently locked to my palm. I do wonder if this has caused the Tennis Elbow? I saw my GP today & he told me to try oral pain relief but I am unable to take NSAID's & have to rely on Paracetamol or Zapain. I was told to return to the surgery if it became worse & I would be given a cortisone injection. I have had a look about self help & read that ice packs can help but on another site, it was recommended to apply heat to the elbow. Any advice would be welcome. thank you

[Buenchico]

I'm reasonably confident that I can remember the sainted Sqad replying to a question here about whether heat or ice treatments are best with an answer along the lines of "whatever works best for you".

However the official NHS view is that you should be reaching for the frozen peas. (The link also examines other forms of treatment):
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tennis-elbow/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[Robinia]

My experience is that it does get better, it just might take a while longer. It has reoccurred but I'm more careful now not to do anything which aggravates it.
Maybe an ibuprofen gel might help.

[thelewisgang]

thank you. I will take a look at the link. You are a star!

[Sqad]

If you think that a bag of frozen peas is going to help a tennis elbow of a "couple of weeks duration".............then good luck to you.
Hot or cold or both are for acute inflammatory problems, those of perhaps an hour or so of onset........
NSaids are the answer e.g Ibuprofen in gel form if you cannot tolerate the tablets.

[Gowergirl]

When I had Tennis Elbow,my GP suggested I got a Tennis Elbow strap,which really helped to ease the pain.I got it from a Sports shop,although some pharmacies have them too.I hope you feel better soon,as it is such a painful condition.

[thelewisgang]

thank you Sqad. Gowergirl, thank you too. I have looked on Amazon at the strap you mentioned. They appear to be effective with positive reviews. I might well try one! The pain is rotten & is affecting my arm between my shoulder & elbow. I had tennis elbow many years ago in my right arm & that was sorted eventually with a cortisone injection. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[furrypusscat]

I had injections which worked for short periods but ended up having surgery which resolved the problem.