Tennis Elbow: Understanding Acute Tendonitis
M46, 174 cm, Caucasian, diagnosed with ADHD. Three and a half weeks ago, while lifting a child, I experienced a slight sensation on the outside of my elbow, but there was no discomfort at that moment. However, the following day, I woke up with significant pain characteristic of tennis elbow—pain radiating from the bony protrusion on the outer part of my elbow along the top muscles of my forearm, according to a diagnosis from my GP. I was advised to rest the affected area, which has proven to be quite a challenge. Unfortunately, there has been no noticeable improvement over the past three and a half weeks. Is this a common occurrence? Would it be beneficial for me to consider acupuncture or other treatments? The only relief I’ve found, albeit minimal, has come from massage and anti-inflammatory medications.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 9:54:29 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing persistent pain from tennis elbow, which is frustrating, especially since it's been several weeks without improvement. Tendonitis in this area can sometimes take longer to heal, but it’s important to follow a structured approach for recovery.
Understanding Your Situation:
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons on the outer part of the elbow become irritated or degenerated, often due to repetitive motion or strain. It’s common for symptoms to last for weeks, but recovery can sometimes be slow. Noticing minimal relief from massage and anti-inflammatory medications is also not unusual.
Next Steps:
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Continue Resting & Modifying Activities: It’s crucial to avoid activities that exacerbate your pain—try to rest the elbow as much as possible.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the elbow for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, especially after activities. This can help reduce inflammation.
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Gentle Stretching: Start gentle stretching exercises for the forearm and elbow, focusing on the wrist and fingers. This can help maintain flexibility without straining the elbow.
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Compression: Consider using a forearm brace or a compression wrap. This can alleviate strain on the elbow during daily activities.
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Alternative Treatments: If you’re considering acupuncture, it has shown some effectiveness for pain management in tendon injuries. Other options include physical therapy, where specialized exercises can promote healing and improve functionality.
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Medication: Continue using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications as needed, following the dosing instructions. If you have not seen an improvement with these, you may want to discuss this with a healthcare provider.
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Monitor Progress: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes, and set a timeline (say another week or two) to reevaluate how your elbow feels.
If your pain worsens or if you experience new symptoms like severe swelling or loss of mobility, it would be wise to seek further evaluation. Remember, patience is key with tendon injuries—many people see signficant progress with consistent care. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that healing takes time.
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