Joe A Shaw PA-C - 12/17/2011

Question
Hello Joe,
I wrote you a few weeks ago about my elbow and some pain I was expirencing in it, and you wrote back saying it sounded like Tennis Elbow to you.  I am now having some pain between my wrist and elbow on my right arm, which is the same arm that had the Tennis Elbow in it.  It flares then settles and is fairly bothersom.  It started today for some reason though I can't think of what I would have done that could have bothered it.  I also took a Tylenol with codine and this didn't help at all.  Later I put a heat pad on the arm again with no relief.  I still use the computer but lately I have been supporting my arm better.  When I sleep though, if I lay on my right side, it pains my shoulder some so I sleep on my left side, but during the night I turn (unknowingly) to my right.  
What does this sound like to you and what in your opinion will help with this.  
Thanks again,
Kim

Answer
Kim,
Sounds like extensor tendonitis ,,but there is oarsman syndrome,pronator teres syndrome,PINS..I would get an exam,xrays etc..try ice not heat,and biofreeze topical gel and OTC NSAIDs..all these help w inflamm/swelling..tylenol doesn't,and heat can make swelling worse.