Tennis Elbow

[indyrob]

Has anyone had tennis elbow here? I have it pretty bad and been through the exercises, physical therapy, cortisone shots, elbow strap...everything. I've been told that surgery is the next step but am a little leary about surgery for 2 reasons.

1) I've heard that you never really recover full use.
2) I have to be out of work for more time than I care to be out.

This is a work related injury so I'm sure workmans comp will kick in after 2 weeks, so I'm worried about finances (obviously) so if anyone who's had it please chime in.

 

[cvm4]

I've never had it, what causes it?

 

[indyrob]

I've been told that it's from carrying a load with my palms facing downwards lead to it. Like if you were to grab a glass from the top and walk around with it.

 

[GatorMike]

Has anyone had tennis elbow here? I have it pretty bad and been through the exercises, physical therapy, cortisone shots, elbow strap...everything. I've been told that surgery is the next step but am a little leary about surgery for 2 reasons.

1) I've heard that you never really recover full use.
2) I have to be out of work for more time than I care to be out.

This is a work related injury so I'm sure workmans comp will kick in after 2 weeks, so I'm worried about finances (obviously) so if anyone who's had it please chime in.

I've had it. Its a chonic issue. I've played competitve tennis for about ten years now. After a weekend of tournament play I sometimes couldn't write without my elbow hurting. In my case resting my elbow was the only thing that helped. I too went through PT, but it didn't do much. Rest and ice are the best things that worked for me.

 

[tedski]

I had really bad golf elbow last year. It's basically the same thing, but manifests itself more on the inside of the arm vs. the outside for tennis. This was due to my overindulgence in golf for 2 years while trying to improve my game.

I consulted a sports specialist. My tests showed no obvious tears so he felt surgery was really not needed - so he put me on low dose pain meds and stretching therapy for several months. This didn't do much for me either - so I basically gave up golf for awhile. It took about a year, but now I'm pain free. I'll take up my golf game again next year, but at a much slower pace.

Surgery can help in many cases, but I'd get 2 or 3 different opinions before I'd jump in.

 

[caudio51]

I had a slight case, it has gotten better over time and the band seems to help a little.

I would definitely get a couple of opinions.

 

[Ratbert]

I had a bad case years ago. I had my racquet restrung and it was way too tight...after the match (lost in three sets, as usual!) my forearm was throbbing. Over the course of the next three months it got worse and worse. I could barely pick up my coffe mug, it hurt so bad.

Rest would diminish the pain, but as soon as I tried to lift weights, or play tennis again, it came right back.

The only thing that finally helped was prescription anti-inflams...I don't remember the exact one that finally worked. It still comes back from time to time and I cringe, because it kept me from doing so many things I enjoy.

Good luck, and I'm sure that you've tried the anti-inflammatories if you're taking cortisone shots, but it's what worked for me.

 

[indyrob]

Had surgery yesterday morning...It hurt like a som' bitch!

They gave me a bunch of hydrocodone, but I haven't taken any. I'm waiting for it to really hurt before I start popping pills.

my typing is about 10wpm now so I'll limit my posts for a while more.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Hope you feel better fast.

 

[cvm4]

Man that sucks Rob. Hope you are a fast healer!

 

[Ratbert]

Keep us updated on how you feel as you heal up. Going through surgery was a gutsy move...you're a better man than I am!

Good luck with the rehab! eace:

 

[indyrob]

well 24 hours after the surgery and all is well. I don't have any sharp pains so i'm staying off the meds for now. The only hing that bites is the temporary loss of my right arm....i did everything with my righty.