Not carpal tunnel, but tennis elbow

[Kyung]

Well, it seems that I have tennis elbow aka epilateral condilytis. Whoo-hoo.

Has anyone had this? What did you do? I'm seeing a chiro and I just started some anti-inflammatories.

Any other suggestions?

[Kellie Zollars]

I've been using a tilted tripod for years and I think it makes a difference. What really makes a difference, though, is having the right hand position. Watch yourself in a mirror at home while you're writing on your machine to practice sitting correctly and tuck your elbows next to your body. And don't pound on your machine. Adjust the tension so you don't have to strike the keys so hard.
The computer bothers my wrists, elbows, etc. more than my steno machine so pay attention to ergonomics of your workspace too. I know that pulling my wheeled suitcase aggravates my elbow too. My husband (not a reporter) and a reporter friend have gotten the "bowl" ergonomic keyboards and say it takes a few days to get used to but it really helps their carpal tunnel symptoms.

[Diane Hickman]

ditto on the tilted tripods. What are the benefits of use versus standard tripods? I have a standard one and find myself with a back and shoulder ache after a long depo day. Are the tilted tripods supposed to help with this problem?

[Tamoi]

To the professionals out there, i have a standard tripod for my machine and since my wrist hurts and hands feels weak from time to time, i am considering getting a tilted tripod. I wear wrist brace on both hands whenever i feel the need to, it usually helps. Im currently a student. I would like some feed back on the tilted tripods. thanks

[Gina K.]

I've had tennis elbow since 2006. I tried physical therapy, accupuncture, anti-inflammatories. The only thing that finally worked was a cortisone shot. I'd suggest doing that first. I wish I hadn't waited so long. I also use an armband which has velcro and you put it on your forearm and tighten it. This really helps me. Take care.

[Deborah L. Willoughby]

I had severe tennis elbow that lasted for about a year. I didn't think it would ever go away. I've also been fighting with carpal tunnel syndrome for several years. I'm wearing a brace right now and it just isn't doing any good. I feel your pain. Hope you heal soon!

[Sue Baker]

Hey, what they said about the little brace pillow device. Got it at Walgreen's. Got the epicondylitis when I changed software to Eclipse. I guess it was using different muscles in my arms and hands. I wore that splint brace thing for about two months, pain went away and I haven't had it again, either. I keep the brace in my drawer with the carpal tunnel braces and copper bracelets I have worn on and off over the years, but now, after 31 years of reporting, I really have no aches or pains. I had more problems in my 20s. I also love Aleve as an anti-inflammatory. Good luck, hang in there.

[Bill LaBorde]

I do a lot of bike riding in addition to working, so I've had tennis elbow ever since I started riding a lot. I take ibuprofen when it gets bad, and also icing the elbows is very important. There are also some stretches that help that were given to me by a chiropractor I see. My saving grace was finding a chiro who does ART, Active Release Technique. I go every so often for maintenance now, but when I'm riding or working a lot, I'll go every week. It helps break up the scar tissue, if any, and also stretches everything. Check it out at my chiro's Web site: http://lvprc.com/aboutART/whatisart.html
I would definitely recommend ART. I had severe pain and was able to avoid steroid injections and manage the tennis elbow.

[Judy]

I had it. Doctor diagnosed it. I wore the same brace that Myscilyn told you about. It was caused by my mouse being incorrectly placed on my desk. I gave myself more room for my mouse and, bammo, it went away. You cannot scrimp on your desk space, it'll just cause injury to your body.