Tennis Elbow............

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 08:28

Does anyone have, or ever had Tennis Elbow? I have had it now for about 2 months, perhaps a bit more, and i have to say, it is the most pain i've had since my car accident! I have tried all sorts of different anti inflammatory pain killers, some exercises even tried a bit of 'mind over body' stuff, but absolutely nothing is making it any easier! The worst time is at night. 3 times this week i have woken up in the middle of the night, in pure agony, and it doesn't matter whatever position i put my arm in, the pain just doesn't quit! Last night it woke me up 5 times, the pain was so intense i have literally sobbed the night away!



I have been googling the hell out of it, but short of surgery, there really doesn't seem to be anything i can do.



Does anyone have any other ideas? What helped you?



DD

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 08:32

Hi DD,



Poor you, hubby had this last year as well. Unfortunately the anti-inflammatory's didn't work for him either. (Didn't help that he played golf twice a week)



Anyway he ended up having a cortisone injection and has been absolutely fine since. I must admit though straight after the injection he felt great but for the following 2 days the pain was immense. But he is fine now on the golf course as we speak.



Chris

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 09:08

Funny i am not a medic but i was going to say cortisone injection too

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 09:15

Where would i get that? can i get it at the hospital in Girne?





DD

matula


Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 647

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 09:40

I had this condition several years ago and tried various remedies and had a cortisone injection in the end---it was worse than the tennis elbow believe me and did nothing to lessen the pain. After refusing another my doctor told me the only other alternative was to try physio massage. After a few sessions the pain eased and now (touch wood) I no longer have it. This was all when we lived in South Africa.

tarry67


Joined: 16/05/2008
Posts: 1053

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 09:51

Daisy remember when we took the dog to the vet and he had that injection, same pain he went through, but promise you won't go to the toilet as fast as he did.........!!!!!!

Cyberwar


Joined: 05/03/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 10:14

My physio (who also worked at Headley Court where the Iraq/Afghanistan injured have rehab) thought cortisone was a last resort.



He used massage & heat treatment and in situations where stress can occur, use a brace (epicondylitis splint?)



Obviously avoid stress where possible.



I would suggest seeing a reputable physio first about heat treatment etc.



I don't know if braces are available here but cost about £15 in the UK.

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 10:30

Tarry....was that what the vet gave to Mr Ted.....nooo way am i doing that!! He screamed the place down!!



Perhaps looking into this heat therapy maybe an option.



It would be nice to be able to lift my cup of coffee without any pain!





DD

Deniz1


Joined: 28/07/2009
Posts: 3829

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 10:47

So its a coffe elbow then? Hope it soon gets better. There is a good physio in Girne up the road before Ezic.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 10:48

DD . Try RALGEX or DEEP HEAT,rub in thoroughly,then bandage your elbow with crepe bandage.. Worked for me , especially during the night.....good luck..

matula


Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 647

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 10:50

There were heated pads involved in the physio treatment I had. It was very relaxing and one session I actually fell asleep!

steveafc


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 405

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:33

you have my sympathy as i know from personal experience just how painful it is ! The only thing that worked for me was the cortisone injection (3 seperate ones in each elbow) but it hurts like hell.........i called the doc all the names under the sun !! but it cured it though...........so i suppose it all depends on your pain tolerance.



Good luck anyway

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:39

steve...i'm not sure i can cope with anymore pain, i've had enough pain this last 3 years to last 5 lifetimes....are there any other solutions?



Can i be put to sleep before the injection perhaps?





DD

Big Lou


Joined: 25/08/2008
Posts: 18

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:39

Ive had it for around 4 years now....was really bad initially so I had cortisone.

It came back after around 8 months so had another....then another!!!

5 in total and not its back as bad as ever!!!

So...ive rested it for 6 weeks(no sport, lifting etc...except beer of course)

and I now find it a lot better and have bought a small brace called "EPI sport"

really helpful while in the gym....pain still there a little but a lot better,



Hope this helps,

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:41

Can these braces be bought here Big Lou?





DD

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:44

Hi Daisy - I had it some years ago. My GP gave me a special injection in the elbow, and after a couple of days the pain eased, then disappeared altogether. It has never recurred.

I don't remember what he injected me with, but no doubt Nurseawful will have an idea!

juliamoons



Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 849

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:47

Oh DD I hope you find a remedy soon. To have constant pain is the worst - best wishes for a remedy. xoxo

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 11:51

Kaiser, it was probably the Cortisone shot....something that sounds really painful!!



Thanks Julia....i just keep hoping it will go away by itself, but it's not, it's just getting worse, hence why i'm looking for advice...but i'm not sure i can tolerate this injection....aaaaargh!!







DD

arrry



Joined: 19/08/2008
Posts: 1235

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:25

Daisy ...........one little prick and it will be all over !!! LOL Get down that hospital girl !!

Chelpet


Joined: 10/03/2010
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:27

Hi Daisy I had this some 10 years ago, firstly they tried cortisone injections, twice the first one did not work, then I got sent to private hospital where they tried electric shock treatment, this consisted of putting electrodes onto my arm and I had to turn a knob which increased the power until my arm was twiching uncontrollably, again another failure, eventually I had an operation, the surgeon said he moved the tendons in my elbow to stop them rubbing against each other.

The operation only took about half an hour and I was in and out of hospital in a day, and since then have never had the slightest pain in my elbow, best of luck Daisy.





Peter

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:28

ONE LITTLE PRICK???? You didn't hear my poor Mr Ted screaming...and he never complains!



Oh dear....it looks like i may have to do this....does anyone know how much it will cost...i couldn't bear to have my wallet screaming in agony too!





DD

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:30

Do they do this operation here? And again, does anyone know how much it costs?





DD

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:34

If at all possible try and not have the cortisone injection use it only as a last resort.



This will put you off can you imagine a red hot needle being inserted into your elbow!!!



The sport brace works the only other remedy is rest.



I Have had it for a number of years comes and goes result of working with a chain saw for years.

I have had one cortisone injection never again. Mind you I am a man low threshold of pain i have.

Cyberwar


Joined: 05/03/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:44

Sam



I checked and I still have the brace - albeit looks pretty awful after being in my sports bag for 25 years.



If you want to try it let me know and I will leave it with Lizzie.



Ian

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:51

Ian, that would be MOST appreciated!!





DD

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 12:56

Yes the elasticated braces may give you some relief DD, I have used them on my knee and ankle with good results, they are available in all Eczanes.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 13:22

DD,



My husband has tennis elbow and had a couple of cortisone injections which seemed to ease the pain considerably but did not get rid of it totally, he still has twinges but these are heaven compared to the original pain.



Now, if he is playing sport, gardening or doing anything 'heavy' he puts and elasticated band around his arm to help support it and it really does make a huge difference. As said previously, you can buy these straps in most chemists these days



I would think any operation would have to be a last resort but if all else fails you may not have a choice... good luck.

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 13:51

Sam,get in touch,Mike.

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 14:20

I actually did mine playing tennis and the pain was very bad.

If the pain is inside the elbow it's golfers elbow and if it's on the outside it's tennis elbow.

I used Non Steroidal cream to start with and that didn't do any good.

I've also had physio and acupuncture and that didn't cure it either.

Eventually with a Doctors referral to Bupa I had the cortisone (steroid) injections. I was told this might hurt but I give blood so I am used to needles but the pain was tremendous. A big lump as big as a golf ball came up also.

The tennis elbow pain went away for a while but eventually came back, further injections followed and these funnily enough were pain free, I was probably ready for the pain this time.

The tennis elbow came back though and the consultant suggested I needed an operation on the elbow.

This was done by key hole surgery performed under anaesthetic and since then my elbow has been totally pain free.

Hope this helps.

swannee7


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 394

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 17:02

Hi DaisyD. Seems quite a few of us have been through the mill with tennis elbow (whether or not we play the game!). Like most of the other posters on here, I also had to have cortisone jabs. However, my GP told me that there was a limit - no more than 3 injections into the same area. Over time I had to have 2 jabs but thank God that was the end of the pain and I regained full use of my arm, wrist and shoulder. Cortisone is a powerful steroid, hence the need for care in how many jabs you have. Yes, the injection does hurt at the time and does feel like a red hot needle going in but that pain soon dissipates. As they say - no pain no gain. Physiotherapy & heat treatment to the area all help too, but given how long you've been suffering from this complaint I think you need to find a reputable doctor, get some x-rays taken of the elbow (including shoulder area as they're connected) and ask for a cortisone injection. Be patient afterwards and don't stress the arm. Good luck!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 17:40

hI daisy, Im so sorry to hear that you are in such pain. Ian has dropped a brace in for you, if you are at work tomorrow we can drop it up for you x

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 17:43

Sam

You could try a 'tens' machine. Ask Chris her thoughts on that treatment.



Richard

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 18:21

Brinsley, i have a tens machine, but it tends to just make it throb more :((



Liz, i am not there now, so i shall try to pop in and get it, thank you so much x





DD

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 20:11

I have had both elbows operated on, but only after having three cortisone injections in each.



Yes the injections hurt but only for a couple of days. I do know someone who needed a week off work but he's a wimp.



The operations are fairly invasive (in my case not keyhole) but they worked for me, (12 and 13 years ago) and I can still hit the ball further than Mr Nurseawful.



As to cost I don't know but if you go to a Dr here they would almost certainly start you on the injections.



Good luck.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 21:12

I had tennis elbow in my left arm really bad so had difficulty changing gear in the car, it was really painful and I didn't get much sleep, I had one cortisone injection and was back driving one week after, touch wood it hasn't returned after 6 years.

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 21:39

So, it seems i have 2 choices, surgery or the dreaded cortisone injection. Some say it hurts and others say it doesn't. so, what to do? I would be more inclined to have the surgery, however, i'm betting the doctor would first like me to have this dreadful injection, and although i have proven to myself that i can take a fair amount of pain, i think it would be a different matter knowing it's coming!



I'm also betting by 3am when i will inevitably awaken in agony, i will be thinking the injection is the way to go...however, i know that sitting in a surgery waiting, i'm very likely to run outside and go home!!



Perhaps i should have some hypnotherapy first!!





DD

steveafc


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 405

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 21:48

message 14....................cortisone injections 5 times ?!?!?!............not in the UK i bet

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
03/10/2010 22:35

I had this problem in the 1970s and I was lucky in as much as all medical facilities came quickly and free as I played County Squash. This involved the injections referred to and physio to no avail then consultations with a specialist. His advice was not to consider any surgery until it is totally apparent that there is no other remedy followed by 6 months with the weight taken off my arm by sling with hand tight to the chest plus pain killers. Sleeping was at first difficult but became easier propped up by pillows and of course with the sling. All very inconvenient but rest did bring a cure. I have much sympathy for you and hope by whatever means you soon find pain free fitness. Ironically it was my left arm and not the arm used to swat the beastly ball !

Chelpet


Joined: 10/03/2010
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 00:01

When I had the operation as I said previously it was only a 30 minute op, and I was out off the hospital in about 4 hours after the operation, at the time I worked for a company who had private medical cover with BUPA, so it was all done privately, all I had was a very small scar on my elbow, in fairness my arm was very painful for about 5 days, but as I said previously since the operation not a twinge in 10 years, so I consider it was worth it.

trevor


Joined: 02/04/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 09:00

Hi Daisy, i had this a few years back, the only thing that stopped the pain was having x2 cortisone injections at the same time. This lasted a few months for the the first few times then dropped down to a couple of weeks. I finally had it cured by going under the knife, it leaves a slight scar of about 2inch but have never had a problem since. Good luck.

trevor


Joined: 02/04/2008
Posts: 244

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 09:02

Hi Daisy, i had this a few years back, the only thing that stopped the pain was having x2 cortisone injections at the same time. This lasted a few months for the the first few times then dropped down to a couple of weeks. I finally had it cured by going under the knife, it leaves a slight scar of about 2inch but have never had a problem since. Good luck.

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 09:21

Sticking Q's in the area really only delays the healing process as pain recognition is decreased. Unless it is a very severe tear they generally heal themselves with regenerative growth over time and with rest.

To assist this process load up on celery, turmeric and crushed onion seeds.

Wear a pressure pad directly over the area not too tight.

Worked for me along with a little physio over four weeks.

Couldnt lift the kettle after it went.

Chegs

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 15:33

Yes, the cortisone injection hurts, but only for a few seconds, I think it's worth it for the relief afterwards.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 16:02

Stella I agree with you it is worth those few seconds no comparison with the pain from the tennis elbow.

kenny



Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 405

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 20:00

Daisy

last week i had to visit my works physio, and yes, ive got tennis elbow !

She gave me a epicondylitis clasp and told me to rest it as much as posssible.

Also to take ibuprofen. So far the condition is improving.

She also added that a cortisone injection would be the last resort, so dont

dive in !

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 20:03

I have tried all sorts of strengths of ibuprofen....doesn't even touch sides.....hence why i am looking for other alternatives. Although i have to say, i'm not relishing the thought of the injection....noooo sireeee!





DD

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
04/10/2010 23:26

Daisy, I had tennis elbow about 12 years ago. The doctor prescribed anti inflammatory tablets, which had little effect. I wore a surgical bandage, which as OK in the winter, but unsightly in summer. Because of another medical problem I am now unable to take the tablets - and the pain has gone...

BatteryBoy


Joined: 05/06/2009
Posts: 125

Message Posted:
05/10/2010 03:55

Hi DD



Sending you email





batteryboy

Chelpet


Joined: 10/03/2010
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 19:31

Hi Daisy, dont know whether you have sorted you tennis elbow problem out yet, but there is an article in todays Daily Mail about it, I will attempt to give you the website but \I may get the address wrong as it is a bit long-winded.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1319652/Tennis-elbow-Why-does-arm-hurtI-dont-play-tennis.html



Hope this helps if web address is wrong I sure you can follow by the links.



Peter

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 21:02

I read this article as well. Really surprised that cortisone injections are no longer advised.

My friend visited his Doctor recently and was given the injection.

This Doctor normally gives good advice but painkillers in my experience didn't work and I eventually had an operation.

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 21:08

wow! Chelpet, that was really informative, and at least i can say no to the cortisone injection, without fear of being called a baby...



I am definitely going to look at getting an operation.



Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts on this, i had no idea it is such a common ailment...



DD

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 21:11

Battery boy...i didn't get an email...





DD

lobylud


Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 242

Message Posted:
12/10/2010 21:56

I wouldn't have thought a Doctor would suggest an operation without any previous treatments.

I only had my operation about two years ago and the cortisone injections were done by a private Consultant so I'm pretty sure he would have been up to date with the latest procedures.