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As most of you are aware, I have been suffering from tendonitis in my elbow for quite some time. I realize this is not as serious as some of the medical problems some of you are dealing with, but the pain is real and the fact that it is not getting better is aggravating.
I have tried cortisone shots (worked for awhile but not this last one), physio (made it worse), medication (not helpful and gives me a stomachache), and wearing an elbow brace (also not helpful.) About the only thing that helped was swimming in the warm waters of Orient Bay Beach in St. Maarten, and much as I'd like to stay there all winter, it's just not possible.
Has anybody dealt with this ongoing pain and do you have any other suggestions for relief?
Do you have any sports medicine people up there? If it's not arthritis it just seems to me that it's been going on for a pretty long time and I'm wondering if you've torn a muscle or tendon or something.
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Todd
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NCL Epic 2012, Eastern Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas 2009, Eastern Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas 2007, Eastern Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas 2006, Eastern Caribbean
Platelet gel therapy Tennis Elbow - Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy vs Corticosteroid Injection Therapy - YouTube
I had this done on my feet in the plantar fascia, to treat plantar fasciitis and several months ago my Husband tore his meniscus and they did this on him and we both have had a complete and total recovery... It takes at least 6 weeks to notice a remarkable difference, but basically it acts as a catalyst to get your body to heal itself, it works well in areas that lack blood circulation such as connective tissues like tendons.
Hope that helps if you are interested in getting this done I can hook you up with a fantastic orthopedic surgeon here in Indiana. Its very simple, they draw a good size vial of blood, spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the plasma. They then inject the platelets into the affected area guided by ultrasound. Best part is that it really does work without surgery.
@Mike, I forgot about the alcohol solution, in fact the only other time I didn't feel the pain on the cruise was after 2 Bailey's Bushwackers on the top of Paradise Point in St. Thomas!
@ruthlessboss, I've never heard of Blue Emu, but I'll look for it. I've been using Voltaren cream with little success.
@Moiraine, yes, my aquafitness pool is heated and the exercise really helps while I'm in the water, but getting out and getting dressed is always too painful!
@bjm123, have never seen adhesive heating pads, but have alternated ice pack with heating bad with some relief.
@beenie weenie, your suggestions sounds most intriguing, and I plan to take the info to my Dr. and see what he can arrange for me.
I thought if salt water in St. Maarten helped, I'd try soaking it in Epsom salts last night. Soothed the pain for a while....
Another friend said she used one of those squishy balls to squeeze and it really helped, so I did that too, only it hurt too much, I don't know whether to force it or completely rest it...
Okay, here goes. Don't laugh!!..Years ago I had severe pain in the elbow, work related, (the company doctor told me I didn't have real pain, the pain was from me not liking my job!!!) worst at night unless I dangled my arm off the side of the bed, and that's not easy to do. I put (then it was Bengay) on my elbow, covered it with saran wrap. Put a long sock on my arm to cover it and keep my hand in a "fist" position through the night. Doesn't look terribly seductive, but it worked for me while I worked at that job.
Sounds far out, I know, but it worked for me.
Location: Wisconsin....about 100 miles south of the Frozen Tundra and 70 miles east of Camp Randall
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Donna, have you tried taking an anti-inflammatory like Motrin (Ibuprofen) or Aleve (Naproxen)??? I also agree that alternating heat and ice may help. And have you tried any of the pain relief patches like Salon Pas (?sp), Icy Hot, etc.?? I like the Lidoderm patches (prescription only) - they do seem to work well when I have tried them. Also, rest is very important....and I know it is very hard when it is a joint that you use a lot. Also some of the topical analgesics like Capsaicin or Aspercreme or Tiger Balm seem to help provide some temporary relief.
@ruthlessboss, I'm not laughing, and I'm willing to try anything that might bring relief!
@Lisa, I am taking Celebrex for other arthritic pain and it takes away ALL pain in my body EXCEPT for my left elbow. Go figure...
If two Bailey's Bushwhackers killed the pain you won't need much.
Seriously: If it is bothering you at night then have a Gin and Tonic before bed. Most of all stop doing the repetitive motions that are causing it. Even if you have to put your arm in a sling for a month. And "No Lifting Kids" or other heavy stuff.
Take care,
Mike
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That's the weird thing Mike, I don't do any repetetive motion with my left arm, as I am right handed. I can't figure out what caused it in the first place, except maybe all that knitting...not doing that anymore!
Tendonitis...any suggestions?
) worst at night unless I dangled my arm off the side of the bed, and that's not easy to do. I put (then it was Bengay) on my elbow, covered it with saran wrap. Put a long sock on my arm to cover it and keep my hand in a "fist" position through the night. Doesn't look terribly seductive, but it worked for me while I worked at that job.
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