Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions

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elbow pain

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about arm, elbow, wrist & hand injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=542
Printed Date: Jun 26 2025 at 8:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: elbow pain

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: elbow pain
Date Posted: Jan 08 2010 at 9:40am

Our user asked: "i injured my right elbow shoveling and scraping a few inches of slush and ice off my driveway for a couple of hours on dec. 2. i had pain all down my triceps and into my lateral epicondyle. now the epicondyle seems to be enlarged/swollen and there is still pain there (the triceps is more or less fine now), especially when i lift things with my arm extended. it is also painful when i play tennis, particularly with my one-handed backhand. i have never had tennis elbow. i have an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon on jan. 19, but in the meantime, what can i do? i've been icing and taking a lot of advil. i'm on a tennis team and have to play twice a week, and have a windsurfing vacation in mid-feb. planned, so need to fix this asap!! thanks"

Ask a PT Response: "Sounds like you may have sustained a repetitive stress injury from the shoveling. From what you describe there is a strong possibility that you could have developed lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). For my patients with this condition I would generally have them rest and avoid activities which aggravate their condition ie. tennis, shoveling. Besides icing and anti-inflammatories, strength training and stretching are commonly performed by my patients as well. Examples of some of these exercises can be found on http://www.cyberpt.com/cptcondtrt4tenelbow.asp - http://www.cyberpt.com/cptcondtrt4tenelbow.asp . Best of luck with your recovery!"