Question
Hi Doc -

I have a strain i can not get rid of - started in a Gym - not warming up one day - but i thought it would go away that was over "3 months ago" - for example - if i go to shake someones hand i can only do this slightly or it hurts - or if i pick up a gallon jug of liqiud i can barley hold it up to pour the liquid - the pain is only from my upper wrist to below the elbo,* i do not feel any strain till i apply pressure only.

can this be corrected ? Thank you in advance Doc.  

Answer
Paul,

Thanks for the question.  You definitely have a forearm sprain/strain, but it sounds like you have developed epicondylitis at the elbow and possibly what is called tenosynovitis at the wrist.

These are big, fancy words for tendon strains.  However, what occurs at the tendon at the elbow is that it will actually pull away from the bone a little bit. This causes constant inflammation and irritation. The tendon stays tight which cause the forearm muscle to stay tight, develop very tender spots or knots, and become weak.  

The tenosynovitis at the wrist can sometimes be more difficult.  The tendons at the wrist going into the thumb or fingers actually run through sheaths that support and protect them. The problem is that when the tendon is strain, it inflames.  The inflammation is then trapped inside the sheath and the result is pain, tenderness, swelling inside the sheath.  It makes it difficult for this inflammation to subside.  The end result is pain, tenderness, weakness as well.

I see this often in athletes and people who work with their hands a lot.   I successfully treat it with therapy and acupuncture and stretching.  At home, I have my patients use cold packs for 15 minutes up to 5 times per day.  Additionally, I have them stretch the forearm muscles and very importantly they wear a tennis elbow strap, which helps to relieve stress at the elbow.  I will have the bad wrist cases wear a special support to relieve the stress at the wrist.

Regardless, this is not going to go away on it's own.  I recommend seeing a chiropractor who will guide your treatment in the right direction and resolve this issue so that it does not become a chronic, recurrent problem.

I hope this helped and if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me through this site.

God Bless,

Dr. Boss