Epicondylitis (how to get rid of it)

[LonelyBedouin]

Ive been using cold compresses, ibuprofen and wraps. Nothing seems to work. Its getting to the point where its painful just sitting if it gets aggravated. Anyone have any experience with this, possibly a better idea how to get rid of it?

[gicantor]

I have it. Rest seems to work the best for me.



A quick google search:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin

Heat or ice

A counter-force brace or "tennis elbow strap" to reduce strain at the elbow epicondyle, to limit pain provocation and to protect against further damage.

Vibration therapy can be used for localized pain relief and inflammation [10] with vibration therapy devices (Tenease) available for home use.

Rest

Acupuncture

Blood injection (possibly augmented by plateletpheresis)

Botulinum toxin

Extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (lithotriptor)

Heat therapy

Immobilization of the forearm and elbow using a splint for two to three weeks

Local injection of cortisone and a numbing medicine

Low level laser therapy

Occupational therapy, primarily for stretching and strengthening of the wrist

extensor musculature.

Physical therapy

Platelet-rich plasma[14]

Pulsed ultrasound to break up scar tissue, promote healing, and increase blood flow in the area

Sclerotherapy

Trigger point therapy

[LonelyBedouin]

Sweet thanks mate, yea its only ever been this bad (almost unbearable) twice before, doctor appointment Monday, hopefully this time he tries something new as Im getting tired of it

[Rhinobolt10]

Dude,

I'm a really big believer in soft tissue work. a massage a week for a month works wonders, but if you're not willing to spend that, and I'm not, a foam roller works really well I find.

It's hard to say exactly what the problem is, but just get a foam roller, and start rolling out the upper arm, if it's super painful you're on the right track. Like, if it's so painful you think you're doing something wrong... then this will be a good thing for you.

I've been consistent with it on upper body days, and I've greatly reduced pain, and basically just roll out of habit as now nothing really hurts anywhere when I do it.

Just something to think about, I'd tried just about everything too.

[LonelyBedouin]

How would you do the upper forearm, I was looking at some videos it seems like they all lie down on the roller and use body weight.

But Id definitely giver a try, does it have to be a specific foam roller? Or can I just go to home depot lol

[AlladdinSane]

I use a La Crosse ball on my forearms.

[Rhinobolt10]

some of my friends have had good results using the sleeve of a barbell, and they just wear a sweat shirt to take a bit of the sting out.

on my experience tho, taking care of the biceps and triceps generally cures pain.

[LonelyBedouin]

I use a La Crosse ball on my forearms.

And you just roll it around until you find the spot?

[bigben]

Your current treatment ideas are all good, but you have to 1)stop aggrevating it 2) give it time to heal.

Carefully analyse your routine or work habits to figure out what movements, grips, etc are contributing to the problem. Completely lay off anything that causes it to be aggrevated. Once its healed, you will need to slowly return to some of those activities, but keep in mind that you have a weakness there, an injury that can return. Find alternative exercise to achieve the same goals, but that don't put as much stress on that area of your forearm. You have to work with your body on healing and remaining injury free. Believe me, I've been there and stubbornly persisted.

[LonelyBedouin]

Your current treatment ideas are all good, but you have to 1)stop aggrevating it 2) give it time to heal.

Carefully analyse your routine or work habits to figure out what movements, grips, etc are contributing to the problem. Completely lay off anything that causes it to be aggrevated. Once its healed, you will need to slowly return to some of those activities, but keep in mind that you have a weakness there, an injury that can return. Find alternative exercise to achieve the same goals, but that don't put as much stress on that area of your forearm. You have to work with your body on healing and remaining injury free. Believe me, I've been there and stubbornly persisted.

Its no exercise movement. Its from throwing, I dont understand why as I used to play baseball and never got it then... But yea, pretty much going to stop practicing

[Victor85]

Go to a Registered Massage Therapist, they will help you out.

[LonelyBedouin]

Go to a Registered Massage Therapist, they will help you out.

Yea, I wont be paying weekly for foam rolling which Im going to try myself

[devo09]

Its no exercise movement. Its from throwing, I dont understand why as I used to play baseball and never got it then... But yea, pretty much going to stop practicing

well I'm guessing it's on the medial portion of your epicondyle if it is from throwing.
It's likely from overuse of wrist flexor/pronator muscles. This also leads to them being extra tight, and leads to your extensors being weak.

So the actual SOLUTION, is to see a physiotherapist. He might recommend stretching of your wrist flexors to increase ROM (active release CAN help here if there is scar tissue, but it is unlikely that there is...and ART is way overhyped these days anyway) and also strengthening of you wrist extensors.

[LonelyBedouin]

well I'm guessing it's on the medial portion of your epicondyle if it is from throwing.
It's likely from overuse of wrist flexor/pronator muscles. This also leads to them being extra tight, and leads to your extensors being weak.

So the actual SOLUTION, is to see a physiotherapist. He might recommend stretching of your wrist flexors to increase ROM (active release CAN help here if there is scar tissue, but it is unlikely that there is...and ART is way overhyped these days anyway) and also strengthening of you wrist extensors.

Yea Ive seen a physiotherapist, although I felt the things I did with him didnt do to much. It was about the same as taking a week off from throwing or anything like that. I still remember all the stretches he wanted me to do, so hopefully I can strengthen the extensors in the area to help as well.

[White-Tiger]

Did your doctor try an injection of corticosteroids with xylocaine?

[LonelyBedouin]

No I havent gone back to see him yet. But I will mention cortisone shots next time I see him.

[ms_moneypenny]

if the pain is epicondyle..it's not the bi or tri...it will be due to the wrist. ice, rest, stretch and gradual exercise. Hard to tell a bb to take it easy when all we do is grip bars and dumbbells! Lol. Make sure the db's where you train don't have to big of a circumference for your hand. I've encountered that at some gyms (Shapes!) and always pay the price after training there! Good luck