Fibromyositis/Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Archives

Epicondilitis/"Tennis Elbow"

Hello Dr. Stoll,

About two and a half years ago while assisting someone lift a large air conditioner they dropped their end wrenching my wrist downward causing a sharp pain in my elbow. I'm also a avid amature tennis player. Initially I saw an Orthopedic surgeon who just recommended just stop playing tennis for awhile and get an off the shelf pressure brace and this seemed to help long enough for the pain to subside. That is, until I started playing tennis again. The pain slowly returned even while wearing the brace. Well, without going through the day by day, over the last two and a half years I've had three Cortisone shots, the first one I thought had taken care of the problem but it returned and worse and subsequent shots had less effect until the last one that had no positive effect at all. Also, during most of this time I've been going to Physical Therapy with no improvement.
That's the history.

Now, I've been hearing about and looking into DMSO topical treatment and have not seen any Bulletin Board Threads speaking specifically to treating Epicondilitis/Tennis Elbow with DMSO. I also have not seen any information about preparation of the application area to prevent any contamination on the surface of the skin from being carried into the treated area/blood stream. What if any precautions need to be taken?

Do you recommend treating Epicondilitis/Tennis Elbow with DMSO? Is this a majic bullet where normal activity (Tennis) can be played and healing will still be obtained or, if you recommend DMSO, during treatment does one still have to abstain from activity? (Sensible, there is no majic bullet.)

I really appreciate any information you will be willing to provide.

Thanks
Mike

Follow Ups:

• Re: Epicondylitis/"Tennis Elbow" (Archive.) Walt Stoll 07:24:38 9/05/03 (0)

In Reply to: Epicondilitis/"Tennis Elbow" posted by Mike on September 04, 2003 at 12:04:05:

Hi, Mike.

First I would see a Hellerworker or Rolfer in consultation. Next, I would get the advice of a good tennis pro about faulty technique and correct it.

Finally, I would use the DMSO since there is a lot that it can do and no risk I know of. Just wash the area with mild soap and water before applying it. Just use the 50% dilution. The gel seems to be the most efficient vehicle.

Let us know how you do.

Walt