elbow injury

[jasonc779]

Hello,

I've been having some elbow issues and need some advice.

A couple months ago during sparring I went a little too hard and overextended my reverse punch a couple times. My right elbow felt a little sore after that. I continued training and realized that it wasn't getting any better. I took 3 weeks off and didn't see a whole lot of progress, but it did feel some better. I started training again because I have my 1st Dan test in two months and can't afford to take time off right now. Here's the symptoms:

- I don't feel pain unless I move the arm quickly side-to-side, perhaps if I am doing a sweeping open hand backhand strike, for example in Naihanchi

-If I rest it for a while, it stiffens up a little and if I start doing pushups or bench press, it cracks/pops and feels sore afterwards

-A little pain when I lift a weight in front of me with my palm to the floor

-Feels sore if I do Nunchaku figure eight exercises in front of me

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks, Jason

[joesteph]

Sometimes a medication (years ago, the medication to use for this was Voltaren, possibly still available in generic form) can work wonders for freedom of movement, certainly reduction of inflammation (some part of that elbow is inflamed).

Resist the temptation to "test" the elbow by doing such motions as overextending the arm to hear a "pop," or doing motions that hurt before, and you want to see if it still hurts. There is nothing like warm water (I have it cascade over the injured joint, whether elbow or shoulder, while in the shower) to give the joint a needed relief.

You'll need to go to the doctor for a medication with more painkiller than an over-the-counter, like extra-strength Tylenol. I've never had luck with those creams/lotions that claim to soothe.

Good luck, Jason, in health and when testing.

[bushido_man96]

First off, welcome to the Forums.

I think you have a hyperextended elbow now. If you keep doing things that take your elbow to full extension, then you will likely continue to aggravate it. Get to a doctor and get it examined, to see if it is any worse than a hyperextension.

From then on, when you use your arms, don't lock the elbows completely when you perform techniques. You need to use that kime, to tighten your muscles to keep from locking out completely. Good luck with the recovery. It may take a while.

[jasonc779]

Thanks for the advice!

[bushido_man96]

You're welcome. I hope it gets better for you soon.

[jasonc779]

I did some more research on rehabilitating tennis elbow injuries, and I found the following link. Thought I would share it with everyone who has had similar problems. The exercises are simple and cheap, and I've been having great progress.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/25/phys-ed-an-easy-fix-for-tennis-elbow/