Elbow pain

[fedupwithdeployment]

For the past month or so I have had pain in my left elbow. It isn't constant, but comes on a different times. Sometimes it feels like I've bruised it, but the most common thing is sudden pins and needles in my fingers (getting this now as I am typing) and shooting down to above the elbow.

Is this tennis elbow (I don't play!) or is it something else. I am in pretty good health generally. And should I see GP?

Thanks!!

It could be tennis elbow (you don't have to play tennis to get it), or one of the elbow level nerve entrapments which can be caused by repeated twisting actions.
TBH, apparently theres not a huge amount they can do, so the first thing to try is adjusting how you type, drive, and anything else using your arms and maybe some ibuprofen gel on the painful bit.
I've had tennis elbow for 2 years and had lots of treatment - the most effective has been acupuncture. rest would be great, but I only have one functioning arm, so it doesn't get a break

Thanks for the reply and advice. I went to the Dr this am, and she pretty much said the same as you. It is little things that set it off, like tying and carrying bags (not v heavy) so will have to re-think things. Off to Boots to get that gel!

I am quite relieved she doesn't think it is anything more serious.

Hello fedupwithdeployment,

I know exactly where you are coming from. I too had elbow pain that would come and go. Found out it was tennis elbow that I was suffering from. The funny thing is that I haven't played tennis elbow in over 10 years.

Your Doctor is right in saying that you should avoid doing anything that aggravates your arm. Avoid any sort of twisting actions and or gripping/holding/squeezing anything for extended periods of time.

You mentioned that you were going to try a topical gel for pain relief. That may give you temporary relief but it won't give you a permanent solution.

If it turns out that you have tennis elbow, go here for an easy treatment remedy that you can do at home.

Best of luck,
Gwen