Living with Tendonitis

In 2007, my ongoing battle with carpal tunnel syndrome ended. I had carpal tunnel release surgery and in six weeks, I was back at work. Things were a bit slow to start, but now, 2 years later, there isn't even a scar!

The wrists are fantastic. But, the elbow... now that's another story.

I work in customer service, so I type a lot. I'm also a writer, so I type a lot more. I wasn't doing any writing for quite some time, however, because I was busy working 12-14 hour days 5 days a week. I did 16-20 hours of overtime per pay period over the course of about 18 months.

I've had chronic pain in my right shoulder since 1997, when my car was rear-ended. So in November 2008, when I noticed a dull ache in my left elbow I didn't give this new twinge much thought. Until my left wrist started going numb on me. Then I started looking for my old wrist braces. I couldn't find them, though so I bought a simple little glove-brace thing. Nothing industrial or fancy (or expensive). It was designed to massage my wrist and palm, and for a little while, it helped.

By January my elbow wasn't a twinge, it hurt. It hurt when I moved it, it hurt when I didn't. It hurt when I went to bed & when I woke up. It got so bad one night after work that I stopped in at a local drug store and bought a sling. I had the next two days off, and I wore the sling the whole time. By the time I had to start my work week, it felt better.

Moving didn't hurt so much. I could type on my laptop at home without wincing. At work, by lunchtime I was wearing the sling again.

Finally, I got myself to the doctor that did my carpal tunnel surgery, Dr. Denoff in Deland, FL. I thought the carpal tunnel was coming back. He did some motion tests and some poking, and asked some questions. When he was done, he sat back, told me I needed to have my elbow X-rayed, and he was certain I had tendonitis.

Tendonitis often develops because of ongoing repetitive motion that culminates in overuse and strain, much like carpal tunnel syndrome. We make repetitive motions all day every day, even in our sleep. Tendonitis occurs when this motion is concentrated on this particular part of the anatomy over time. Also called "tennis elbow", tendonitis is common in factory or assembly workers, tennis, squash and golf players. I have found it's also common in call center workers and writers.

You may be at risk for tendonitis if you suddenly increase the frequency or intensity of a training or exercise program, movement or activity.

Inflammation, swelling and irritation of the tendons in the elbow bring on symptoms of pain, stiffness and cause loss of motion. Tendonitis also leads to loss of strength in the affected arm. The pain can come on after extended activity, but can become constant as the condition worsens. This is the point where I have found myself.

Treatment for tendonitis is really rather simple. My doctor gave me a two-part brace that I am to wear unless I am "asleep or in the shower". The first part goes up just under the bend of my arm and supports the muscles there so the tendons can relax and recover. The second part is the same I wore with carpal runnel- a wrist brace. My doctor wanted to immobilize my wrist in order to help rest the muscles and tendons around my elbow.

It is not a comfy bit of contraption to wear, I promise.

After about a week, I added ACE bandages because the braces were rubbing my wrist and arm raw.

Rest and physical therapy are the required to correct the damage. In many cases, restricted to no use of the elbow is necessary. In extreme cases, where therapy does not alleviate the problem, surgery can help clear out damaged tissue.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers can help make the pain more manageable, and in more severe cases, a course of steroids -including injections to the site- are prescribed.

If you happen to be at risk for tendonitis, preventative measures can be taken. If your job calls for repetitive motion, take frequent breaks. Stretch, flex, and relax. Stretch before engaging in any strenuous activity like sports, games that call for extra physical activity. When lifting or carrying anything heavy or unbalanced, use both arms, or get assistance. At the first sign of ongoing or intermittent pain, stiffness, or loss of flexibility, see your doctor. Like any illness or injury, early detection is the key to a quick and complete recovery.

iTendonitis.com

HealthScout.com