Re: Weird problem
Well, I will admit that I am a physio by day, although my area of practice is childhood development and disability.
The scenario is pretty typical of an occupational overuse syndrome, where a selective group of muscles are overworked without a break.
You can try a few things to help relieve or resolve (and remember that free advice is usually worth the asking price 8) ):
1 - a supportive elbow band (the elastic neoprene type, from a pharmacy) which can keep the area warm to increase local blood supply.
2 - If it's very painful, try an ice pack covered in damp cloth and strapped to the area for about 20 mins or as tolerated (Don't put ice or a pack directly on the skin).
3 - You can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine if you are not sensitive to them - diclofenac (Voltaren Rapid) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) - take as directed by pharmacist or on pack and be aware of possible anti-coagulant effect.
4 - Voltaren is also available as a topical gel (Voltaren Emulgel) to apply to the skin directly over the painful area.
5 - Some gentle stretching might help - straighten your left arm and use your other hand to bend the left wrist and fingers.
6 - When driving, try to distribute the steering effort evenly between both hands.
Anti-inflammatory medication will almost always relieve pain, because the problem is inflammatory in nature. However, you need to take steps to fix the cause of the problem.
Be aware that tennis elbow (for want of a better name) can sometimes be quite resistant to healing. In this case, you would be well advised to consult a sport or musculo-skeletal physio.
The inevitable disclaimer - this is general advice only and is not a replacement for a personal consultation with a qualified practitioner. (etc, etc)
Hope you can resolve your issues quickly.
Paul
Originally posted by meminiau
The scenario is pretty typical of an occupational overuse syndrome, where a selective group of muscles are overworked without a break.
You can try a few things to help relieve or resolve (and remember that free advice is usually worth the asking price 8) ):
1 - a supportive elbow band (the elastic neoprene type, from a pharmacy) which can keep the area warm to increase local blood supply.
2 - If it's very painful, try an ice pack covered in damp cloth and strapped to the area for about 20 mins or as tolerated (Don't put ice or a pack directly on the skin).
3 - You can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine if you are not sensitive to them - diclofenac (Voltaren Rapid) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) - take as directed by pharmacist or on pack and be aware of possible anti-coagulant effect.
4 - Voltaren is also available as a topical gel (Voltaren Emulgel) to apply to the skin directly over the painful area.
5 - Some gentle stretching might help - straighten your left arm and use your other hand to bend the left wrist and fingers.
6 - When driving, try to distribute the steering effort evenly between both hands.
Anti-inflammatory medication will almost always relieve pain, because the problem is inflammatory in nature. However, you need to take steps to fix the cause of the problem.
Be aware that tennis elbow (for want of a better name) can sometimes be quite resistant to healing. In this case, you would be well advised to consult a sport or musculo-skeletal physio.
The inevitable disclaimer - this is general advice only and is not a replacement for a personal consultation with a qualified practitioner. (etc, etc)
Hope you can resolve your issues quickly.
Paul
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