Tennis elbow help

[longtompot]

I am pretty sure I have tennis elbow, though undiagnosed all the symptoms are on tne nhs website. It's been over a month now and it's really not getting better, though day to day things can go from ok to very uncomfortable.
I do try not to use it, but 50 years of right handedness is a hard thing to break. I have also tried using an elbow splint, a soft supporting one not restricting, but it's so uncomfortable. I have been using freeze spray, deep heat, ibuprofen gels and pills.
Does anyone have any other suggestions or tips on how to make this better sooner, or do you think a trip to the gp is in order? I just feel they will tell me to do what I am already doing and tell me not to use it.

It can take months to resolve. I think you're doing all the right things. Try to rest it as much as you can. You just need to be patient though.

What sort of elbow splint have you tried? I’ve been using one similar to the small part of this, which apparently helps to immobilise the actual muscle to stop more damage to the tendon.

www.amazon.co.uk/Support-Compression-Lightweight-Anti-Slip-Golfers/dp/B073DDBSM6/ref=sr_1_20?crid=2WRMKNYDAZONF&keywords=Tennis+Elbow+support&qid=1659474557&s=drugstore&sprefix=tennis+elbow+support%2Cdrugstore%2C102&sr=1-20

Although I’ll be honest I got more out of wearing the sleeve part as it was more of a visual reminder not to use that arm. Sadly I think it’s probably about time more than anything else.

Wishing you a quick recovery.

Have you tried a tennis elbow support strap? You can get them cheaply off Amazon. I wasn't sure if that's what you meant by a splint.

It's the only thing that helped me when I had it, went pretty quickly once i started using it. Shouldn't be uncomfortable though, I couldn't feel it too much so didn't think it was doing anything but it was working.

Ionocore Tennis Elbow Strap | Elbow Support for Men & Women | Arm Support for Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow, Pain Relief | Elbow Brace with EVA Compression Pad | Adjustable Tennis Elbow Support amzn.eu/d/cKeqsIV

Have had it for 6 weeks now semis to be getting worse - seen the physio a few times but the exercises and massaging seem to make it worse - am considering a steroid jab

I’ve had it after doing a couple of major audio transcription jobs. I went for private physio treatment which really helped - it was about £45 per half hour. It hurts a bit but did the trick. Also check your seating position if you are doing a lot of work on the computer - I’m a fast touch typist but having my arms too close to my body was the cause of mine.

An osteopath really helped with mine. That and a strap.

@ClownSchool in looking up what one I have I remembered I bought this one for when I had a trapped nerve in the elbow of my other arm. I'll have to dig it out www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08GSKTN3C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you for your suggestions, I did think it would be a case of time and rest. Gah!

I also had the Ionocore support and found it did help. I was lane swimming 3hrs (300 x 25m laps) 3 times a week - that was the cause of the problem - front crawl. I had to reduce the amount I swam - I found I was able to wear this support - it's so thin - and I just washed it out. It took a couple of months to go off - I basically wore it for far longer each day than was recommended but the only reason was that it was comfortable and I forgot I had it on - I even wore it at night.

The cause of my problem was pretty obvious - what is causing your problem or do you have no idea?

Solidarity @longtompot
I have pretty much exactly the same symptoms. I'm seeing a physio on Thursday.

@larkstar I have no idea on or why it's started. I guess I have my elbows quite close to me as I tend to be on my iPad on the sofa, so it might be that. It might be the dog with her suddenly pulling which jerks my arm. I had been doing quite a bit of gardening for the first time in ages and it might have been that. I also do a fair amount of crochet and knitting. Or it's just general use with age. I will get one of those ionocare supports and see how it goes🤞

I developed what I thought was tennis elbow last August. Finally saw my GP in October after trying elbow supports, rest etc, he confirmed the diagnosis and I got a steroid injection. I have had no problems since thankfully.

I had tennis elbow and it was incredibly painful and would keep me awake. I tried all the splints, physio (which made it worse) and painkillers. I eventually had to go to the GP as it became so bad and he suggested acupuncture. I was very sceptical but after two sessions the difference was amazing and by my fourth session I was completely pain free.

Mine developed after mowing the lawn - once! No problem with giving up that activity but everything else is hard too now.

Do you use a computer and mouse a lot? If you do, switch to a vertical mouse. It cured me.

Just bought a vertical mouse and I have this arriving today
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019FZ48VW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use an iPad or my phone, no mice needed

That won't help though. Your phone is heavy, as is tablet if you hold it up to use it. It puts a lot of strain on the muscles in the forearm.

It does take months to recover from. I used the strap all day and applied ibuprofen gel three times a day for the first couple of months. Then just when I thought it was getting better it hurt again and I had other peri menopause symptoms. Hrt has now cured it so might be worth considering if your not on it already.

@MrsOwainGlyndŵr I hold my phone in my left hand and use my right to touch the screen. My iPad has a holder thing so I am not holding that either. I wonder if my wrist is a bit too bent up which has pulled the tendons which might have caused this.

@MeridianGrey already on hrt and have been on various types for about 2 years.

My simien armbar arrived and it's going back - it's meant tp be flexible but it's just too stiff and my arm is just too weak, so I've ordered a lighter version - a flexibar this time.