Tennis Elbow & Swelling

[VickyS]

I am 47 & was diagonised with Tennis Elbow. I read on some websites that Swelling rarely occurs in Tennis elbow, so if there is swelling, it could be something else like arthritis or gout. I do have some swelling around upper part of elbow and on the 'bump' on the forearm. But, my family Dr. said this is normal-he said swelling is due to inflammation of tendon. So, who is right- Dr.or websites? Also, I was told I should rest my hand. My work requires me to use the computer/mouse at least 5 hours a day. Does this mean I should stop working? I've started wearing a Tennis elbow brace, ice around elbow 2-3 times daily for 5-7 minutes, take Ibouprofen 200 each night (don't want to overdose myself) and take breaks in my work/try to use left arm as much as possible. Is there anything I should do differently?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Tennis elbow is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes painful
and tender. It's a condition that is commonly associated with playing tennis,
though the injury can happen to almost anybody.
The condition is more formally known as lateral epicondylitis ("inflammation to
the outside elbow bone"), lateral epicondylosis, or simply lateral elbow pain.'
You could read more about this at the following link -
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00068
and
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tennis-elbow/DS00469
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_elbow

'Initial treatment of tennis elbow usually involves self-care steps including rest, icing the area and use of acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others).'


It would be advisable to consult your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis and to
plan the further management.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us about how you are
doing.

Regards.

[arthriticknee]

If you do have Tennis elbow at least there is now a recognized treatment that seems to work for just about everyone.
I found the exercise featured in an article in the New York times and it worked a treat for me.

There are instructions on how to do the exercises at:
http://www.flexbar.info

They worked pretty quickly for me so good luck.