I saw our orthopedist yesterday and he confirmed what I already suspected - I have lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow- although I don’t play tennis). It is quite painful and my right arm is basically useless for now which isn’t ideal with everything I need to do/prepare for Thanksgiving! In addition to trying to determine the cause and then eliminating that activity, he suggested a cortisone shot, showed me a couple exercises and will see me in 3 weeks. I truly have no idea what could have caused this so I will probably have to chalk it up to age…
I am hopeful the shot will be effective. I think it has already helped although I am sore at the injection site so its a little hard to tell. I did research the internet but thought I would check-in with the CC crowd. Has anyone had success treating this that they would like to share???
I’ve had it in both elbows (I do play tennis) and have done cortisone shots in both and it worked for me. One elbow I subsequently banged and had to get a second shot. I haven’t had any issues since and it’s been about 8 years or so.
Get a good wrist exerciser like a Sidewinder (or even a cheap one like a broomstick, rope, and a 5 lb. weight). Once the inflammation calms down, strengthening is the best prevention.
In my case (about twenty years ago), it was a particular computer mouse and a particular computer game that gave me tennis elbow. I switched to mousing left-handed (which I still do, mostly). I found a whole set of adjustments to my regular habits were needed: I changed my chair height to make sure my elbows were level, I got a supposedly ergonomic keyboard and mouse, I moused left-handed, I stopped playing computer games that relied on speed and went to ones that allowed for slow thought. I used one of those straps while it healed and managed to avoid the cortisone shots.
My W had issues with her elbow, ultimately requiring surgery. I would say to ice regularly, avoid over-use, and examine the ergonomics of your computer setup or other activities regularly requiring the use of your arm. Also PT can help if your doc recommends it.
Be cautious about getting more than one cortisone shot. Multiple shots can cause more harm than good.
Thank you all for the advice - much appreciated! I am being very aware of all my hand/wrist movements in hopes I can find the cause. I do think the shot helped as today is way better than the past 2 weeks.
I got the shot, did PT for months, and a year later did moderate surgery. I can now twist but still have limitations. My injury took place after car accident, when my elbow hit the door.
The key with the brace is the extra pad that is placed over the angry spot. The doctor explained that the extra pad puts pressure on the tender spot, allowing one to still have some functionality, similar to how you would squeeze your finger to relieve pain after you had smashed it. The brace was a lifesaver for me to still function with the injured arm, and especially to sleep. My tennis elbow really bothered me at night.
Both times, I found that it took many months before I felt that the tennis elbow was completely healed. Good luck to you.
Have had this twice. Second time was more painful and lasted longer. Combination of tennis, 700+ shutter releases on a very heavy camera, and all the computer work editing the 700 photos. PT and time off from tennis healed it the second time. I had a cortisone shot the first time, but as commented above, was wary of a second one. It was a wonderful solution the first time, but wore off.
PT involved exercises and icing at home, several times/day. Good luck!