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Fix Me

06.28.2012 | 6:42 am

What is the correct course of action one should take when one has a chronic pain? One that seems to be intensifying as time goes on? A pain that one has no explanation for, although one has one’s suspicions?

Well, one could go to a doctor, and get professional advice and help.

Or, one could crowdsource the diagnosis to one’s friends on the Internet.

Ooooh. I like that second option.

Here’s What’s Going On

This is me, pointing to where I hurt:

P6270616.jpg

It’s possible that I’m mugging it up a little bit as I point to where I hurt, because I want to convey exactly how serious and painful my ache is.

It’s also possible that I’m not doing a very good job, in this photo, of pointing to where I hurt. So let me zoom in and circle the affected area and stuff:

201206271441.jpg

It’s not my elbow, as you can see. It’s that area right beside my elbow. Just on my right arm.

It hurts a lot. And it’s been hurting worse lately.

When It Hurts

Now, this thing doesn’t hurt all the time. Like right now, for example. It doesn’t hurt at all when I’m just sitting here, typing. I’m just fine right now.

But here’s when it does hurt:

  • When I fully extend my arm (pain fades after a moment, though)
  • When I pivot my wrist, side-to-side
  • When anything hits this area, like at all
  • When I hang from a pull-up bar
  • When I twist my arm clockwise, so my palm is facing up
  • When I’m kickboxing

OK, I made up the one about kickboxing, but the rest are accurate.

When It Doesn’t Hurt

The reason I haven’t been to doctor to look at this sometime during the past month or two that this has been hurting increasingly badly has something to do with a key time this does not hurt:

  • When I am riding on my bike

That’s right. This doesn’t hurt when I’m riding seated or standing, or even on a mountain bike with a rigid fork.

It’s just fine, in fact.

And yet, since riding is pretty much the main thing I do, exercise-wise, I worry that biking somehow has something to do with this.

A Description of the Pain

I would describe this pain as a sharp pain. I might describe it as a sharp stabbing pain, but I’ve never been stabbed. I would also not describe it as a sharp shooting pain for the same reason. I.e., that I’ve never been shot, not that I’ve never been stabbed.

An Appeal for Answers

So, now that you know what is going on with me, I’d like you — if you are the kind of person who knows this kind of thing (such as a doctor, or a nurse, or an insufferable know-it-all) — to tell me what’s going on, and what my options are (and especially the good options) for doing about it.

I look forward to your assistance.

100 Comments

  1. Comment by Larry | 06.28.2012 | 6:53 am

    Tendonitis caused by using your mouse with your right hand (could be another repetitive motion, buy usually it is associated with a mouse). I occasionally experience the same symptoms as you and it has been diagnosed as such. Switch your mouse to be used with your left hand, it will take a day or so to get used to. Your pain should go away in a few weeks

  2. Comment by Dave | 06.28.2012 | 7:05 am

    If only you knew a health care professional of some kind… maybe a nurse?

  3. Comment by Dave | 06.28.2012 | 7:06 am

    Although I suspect her diagnosis based on your last post would be HTFU.

  4. Comment by Tom | 06.28.2012 | 7:06 am

    I agree with Larry

  5. Comment by Benjamin Morrison | 06.28.2012 | 7:08 am

    Please be cautious of crowd-sourcing a diagnoses. Of course everyone means well, and I’m sure have great tips, but chronic continuing (or worsening pain) should really be addressed by the proper specialist… just don’t let them give you pain killers right off the bat! I know 4 friends addicted to those now due to them being passed out like candy. Anyway, this is my first time posting, LOVE the blog!

  6. Comment by MtlDan | 06.28.2012 | 7:16 am

    Larry said what I was going to say. I’ve had the same thing. Switching hands solved it.

  7. Comment by dicky | 06.28.2012 | 7:18 am

    Louis CK will tell you what’s wrong:

    http://youtu.be/WzEhoyXpqzQ

  8. Comment by Mike | 06.28.2012 | 7:23 am

    Just don’t do the following and you’ll be fine:

    fully extend your arm
    pivot your wrist, side-to-side
    hang from a pull-up bar
    twist your arm clockwise, so the palm is facing up
    kickboxing

  9. Comment by zeeeter | 06.28.2012 | 7:24 am

    Maybe you are evolving into the next stage of humanity – the one that only functions when riding a bike.

    I wonder if the prehistoric fish had sore fins, that’s what drove them up on the beach to take away the pain?

    Or you have tendinitis.

  10. Comment by ClydeinKS | 06.28.2012 | 7:26 am

    Fatty – without being able perform any tests on you (oh how fun that would be…) it does appear that you have some lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or Radial Tunnel Syndrome, the two are close in proximity and symptoms very similar. It is irritated by repeated or resisted wrist/finger extension (raising the back of the hand, as in the position likely used with your mouse). Your weight must be distributed back to the seat quite well to take this pressure of your wrist while riding. Trying ice massaging the area (until it goes numb) and avoid picking things up with your palm turned down for a couple weeks and should start feeling better – I’ll email you a quick info sheet.

  11. Comment by Drew | 06.28.2012 | 7:45 am

    I don’t know, I think Louis CK has a little more credibility than Clyde KS.

  12. Comment by dicky | 06.28.2012 | 7:47 am

    And Drew spelled backwards is werD.

    That’s dope.

  13. Comment by Scott Gilbert aka ScottyG1962 | 06.28.2012 | 7:50 am

    Fatty I am not a doctor but I did stay at a Holiday Express once so…
    It sounds like what goes on with my left elbow. If it is I have found that applying K-Tape has alleviated the pain. You can check out how to apply it at their website (they have nifty videos). But see a doc.

  14. Comment by LeadBoy | 06.28.2012 | 7:55 am

    Go see the Crazy Russian, Dr. Voitanik. http://www.painmed.com/index.html
    Dude is a miracle worker and he is only about 20 minutes from where you live. He fixed both me and my wife, and I know he treated the guy running for president not named Obama for what you probably have.

  15. Comment by Mikeonhisbike | 06.28.2012 | 7:56 am

    That shirt you are wearing looks like a knockoff Captain America t-shirt. Could this pain be from throwing your knockoff Captain America shield? Yep, I’m pretty sure that’s it. And while you’re at it. NO CAPES!!!

  16. Comment by Pat Shcleck (the cyclist formerly known as MattC) | 06.28.2012 | 7:58 am

    You need to go into a full-body cast for the next 397 days. This will fix the problem. I guarantee it!

    (no, I’m not a Doctor, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express)

  17. Comment by Pat Shcleck (the cyclist formerly known as MattC) | 06.28.2012 | 8:00 am

    Oh man…been trying to post that last comment for 15 minutes…and NOW Scotty used my Holiday Express line…timing is EVRYTHING!

  18. Comment by Pat Shcleck (the cyclist formerly known as MattC) | 06.28.2012 | 8:01 am

    as is spelling

  19. Comment by Fat Cathy | 06.28.2012 | 8:04 am

    What Larry and ClydeinKS said. I’ve got essentially the same problem as you (I’m a software developer and sit in front of a computer for most of my waking hours). I can’t seem to use my left hand for the mouse so I invested in a wrist brace like this one: http://www.muellersportsmed.com/Wrist_Brace_with_Splint.htm and a brace for tennis elbow like this one: http://www.muellersportsmed.com/tennis_elbow_with_gel_pad.htm

    The braces help alot. The pad on the elbow brace and the stiff underside of the wrist brace seems to put my arm into a more ergonomic position for using the mouse and provides instant relief from the pain.

  20. Comment by Dan O | 06.28.2012 | 8:10 am

    It’s from your Mouse.
    Set a trap.

    I swithced to a trackball.

    Or get a massage, I had that issue years ago, massage helps.

    Dan

  21. Comment by iRide | 06.28.2012 | 8:14 am

    Where’s Dr Lammer when we need him?

  22. Comment by Eric L | 06.28.2012 | 8:31 am

    You need to contact your friends at Specialized for some Zertz inserts for your arms. Then we can refer to you as Fatty Roubaix Nelson.

    Beyond that, I’d probably side with Larry’s guess.

    A while back when I was experiencing wrist and arm pain from repetitive motion I got real religious about the P.T. exercises my MD gave me and that, and learning every keyboard shortcut to minimize mousing did me a world of good.

  23. Comment by Gumby | 06.28.2012 | 8:32 am

    Dude, go see a real doctor.

  24. Comment by Chris Engle | 06.28.2012 | 8:53 am

    step 1-Drink three beers of your choosing
    step 2-Move arm= pain repeat step 1, no pain=cured.

  25. Comment by Tommysmo | 06.28.2012 | 8:56 am

    So, my doctor told me to switch to mousing with my left hand. Now they both hurt. Thanks a f’n lot, doc!

    Get yourself setup ergnomically.

    Tom

    P.S. Hairy palms?

  26. Comment by rjb | 06.28.2012 | 9:12 am

    Well, it’s probably not hemorrhoids.

  27. Comment by Kari@ Human, MD | 06.28.2012 | 9:12 am

    Hey Fatty,
    I’m on board with Clyde and Larry. It sounds very much like lateral epicondylitis. Conservative treatment like ice massage, anti-inflammatories, splinting, and modifying the things that cause it usually fixes the problem. PT exercises, which you can probably find online if you google it, are helpful too. If none of that works, there are other tricks like steroid injections, but those are kinda hard to do over the Internet, so you probably would need to see a real doctor. Good luck!

  28. Comment by Christina | 06.28.2012 | 9:13 am

    You probably need to start riding recumbents.

  29. Comment by Franky | 06.28.2012 | 9:13 am

    I think you’ve got Tennis Elbow – welcome to the club. The only remedy (besides a cortisone shot into the elbow – no thank you very much!!!) is a compression band placed at this spot to immobilize the tendon somewhat. It gets better after a while…

    Or it’s an alien ready to pop out. There is not really any other explanation…

  30. Comment by berry | 06.28.2012 | 9:17 am

    Menopause. I’m pretty sure.

  31. Comment by Kanyon Kris | 06.28.2012 | 9:20 am

    Mr. Fatty, you have a rare and serious condition where years of lactic acid get stored in one area of the body and eventually explode. From your description your elbow will explode after dark in 6 days. Invite your friends because the explosion is spectacular as it propels colored streams of fire into the air (the predominate colors are red, white and blue). Just please be clear of anything that could catch fire, it is wildfire season you know. Surprisingly you likely will not loose your arm, just some mild burns you can treat with moist ointment.

  32. Comment by McDeb | 06.28.2012 | 9:26 am

    Sounds like lateral epicondylitis. I had a terrible case of it in my left arm. After several rounds of cortisone shots (which helped temporarily), I ended up having surgery. I’ve been pain free ever since. GO SEE A DOCTOR.

  33. Comment by J2the4son | 06.28.2012 | 9:34 am

    I was thinking tennis elbow as well. Which reminded me of an article that showed up in my Pulse newsfeed a while back.

    http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderproductdetail?gfid=60298

    Good luck!

  34. Comment by Barb | 06.28.2012 | 9:39 am

    Agree with Larry, try a left handed mouse. Sounds like the tennis elbow tendinitis I had a while back. I had it so bad that we had to buy a tandem bike to ride. While you’d make an awesome stoker I think you should see a MD and a physical therapist. ASAP. This only gets worse ignoring the problem. I have also used a great antiinflammatory gel available OTC in other countries, Rx in USA

  35. Comment by Paula | 06.28.2012 | 9:43 am

    I’ve had a similar condition also – they thought it was tennis elbow for a while, but it is also caused by referred pain from your shoulder. I ended up with PT for stretching and strengthening, which helped. I also get a monthly deep tissue massage which helps to get the knots out of the upper trapezius and levator muscles which helps significantly. Good luck but I suggest you do see a Doctor!

  36. Comment by Sara | 06.28.2012 | 10:02 am

    If you go with Christina’s advice, you’re also going to have to get started on a full beard. Not one of those wimpy goatees or flava savas, though! Nope, full on bushy beard. (Sorry, Lisa.)

  37. Comment by Tonya | 06.28.2012 | 10:07 am

    Sounds like tennis elbow, which my boyfriend got fixed with acupuncture. Which his family physician actually recommended to him. Worked like a charm!

  38. Comment by sdcadbiker | 06.28.2012 | 10:09 am

    It’s obvious: stop riding your bike. Or amputate, that normally fixes it.

  39. Comment by cyclingjimbo | 06.28.2012 | 10:09 am

    Bummer

    Larry and ClydeinKS seem to have a good grasp of the most likely cause, in which case you need to do two things (at least): 1) see an orthopedist and get an accurate diagnosis (you need to do this first in any case – don’t put it off, do it now); and 2) get a good ergonometric assessment of your work station. You probably need to do more than switch mousing hands, or your left elbow will most likely start hurting instead of your right.

    Philosophically speaking, this pain isn’t going to go away on its own; you need to make some changes in how you do your work, and there is a lot of information available on good ergonomic practices for the kind of highly repetitive work we desk hounds folks do. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results – applies in a lot of situations, and we are all guilty of this form of insanity from time to time. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming this will go away all by itself, without doing something different yourself.

  40. Comment by Anthony | 06.28.2012 | 10:10 am

    Sounds like TENNIS ELBOW. Have you been doing any extensive pushing motions with your arms (i.e. push ups, bench pressing). You can try one of those handy dandy elastic straps they sell at any sporting good store. Wrap it tight just below your elbow, which will put pressure on your tendon/muscle and ought to alleviate the pain. And Ice, Ice, and more Ice. I’m no doctor, but I did stay at the Hyatt Place UC Davis this past weekend.

  41. Comment by Full Monte | 06.28.2012 | 10:17 am

    Elbow Bursitis. Bursea are thin, slippery sacs that cushion between bones and soft tissue. A bursa may become inflamed, fill with liquid, and become quite painful and limit movement. Your problem area appears to follow the elbow (Olecranon) and wrap around to the radius bone (hence, the pain when “twisting” your arm).

    You could have injured it in a fall, a bump on the corner of the table, or from prolonged stress (like riding a mtn bike). Take care, as the bursa sac may become infected, and then it becomes swollen, hard, red and very painful.

    So do this: See. A. Freakin’. Doctor. Cuz if it gets worse, or you bash it really good during a crash, your cycling season will be over. Period. And you’ll be the Fat-Chip-and-Cookie-Eating-on-the-Couch-Non-Cyclist the rest of the summer. Which will leave little to blog about, but may give birth to some new recipes (love your oatmeal chocolate chip cake, btw). Get better. See a doctor.

  42. Comment by Laura S | 06.28.2012 | 10:26 am

    Yep, sounds like tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis. Don’t ignore it, address it before it gets worse because it can plague you greatly but if you pay attention to it now, you can probably settle it down pretty easily without needing injections or surgery. Lots of good advice in these comments. Bracing, stretching/strengthening, ergonomics and acupuncture – try it all and see what works for you.

  43. Comment by Kukui | 06.28.2012 | 10:28 am

    Quick question – Does you nose itch? It does?! Oh no, Fatty, it’s just as I feared…

    Here’s how it works: your left toe is too cramped in your shoe, and it’s beginning to affect other aspects of your life. First, your right elbow hurts, then your nose itches. Sooner or later you’ll find you can’t sit in a lumbar supported chair with out singing Monty Python’s Lumberjack song…

    The cure is simple: Wear your right shoe on your left foot, turn your riding gloves inside out and wear your left glove on your right hand, and for the sake of The Hammer and your children DO NOT sit in a lumbar supported chair! It’s balancing balls for you, my friend. Bonus: they’re bouncy!

    Or you could see a doctor… your choice. =)

  44. Comment by Jeremy | 06.28.2012 | 10:32 am

    Biking = no pain. Everything else = pain. It really doesn’t matter what is causing it; ride more.

  45. Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 06.28.2012 | 10:32 am

    Great responses from all my favorite “insufferable know it alls” But what this really requires is a new product placement sponsor http://www.spidertech.com/

    Team Fatty sponsored by Spidertech

    https://store.spidertech.com/media/images/stores/1/elbow_spider_look.jpg[

    Try that and two slices of pie, call me in the morning

  46. Comment by Jim | 06.28.2012 | 10:36 am

    Start pleasuring yourself with the left hand for a change.

    6-8 months rest should fix it.

    That, or tendinitis – and, BTW, hoisting the front wheel to get over rocks, logs & such aggravates it. So does crashing hard on your right side. Had something like this last year. Took most of the winter to settle down.

  47. Comment by davidh-marin, ca | 06.28.2012 | 10:37 am

    sstelbow2fs.jpg

  48. Comment by Dr. Lammler | 06.28.2012 | 10:38 am

    I think we can save your leg.

  49. Comment by andy | 06.28.2012 | 10:48 am

    Sounds familiar, it cost me 6 weeks riding to get rid of it. Now back on the bike – no problems

  50. Comment by mykill | 06.28.2012 | 10:58 am

    That bar extension in DavidH’s picture looks even funnier than my Ergons.

    More to the point: Get a medical doctor to look at your arm and a feng shui doctor to look at your work station.

  51. Comment by Lori P. | 06.28.2012 | 11:39 am

    As a highly trained health professional, SEE A DOCTOR!
    Though I admit, there is a lot of good advice in the comments already and many posters are probably on the right track, but GO SEE A DOCTOR ANYWAY! =)
    I’m pretty positive that eating more pie might help though, in case it takes time to get an appointment.

  52. Comment by roan | 06.28.2012 | 11:53 am

    Sheesh ! I’m a bit late on this one. Trust me I’m Not a doctor but I agree with the 1st comment by Larry. But so many other should apply for you, too (make that all others just to be sure).

    Something to consider…’I'll Have Another’ was put out to pasture, NO KOM Triple Crown

  53. Comment by Libby | 06.28.2012 | 11:53 am

    I agree with the tendonitis (Larry & Clyde) guesses. My experience with it-DO NOT IGNORE IT-SEE A REAL DOCTOR. Yes, I’m speaking loudly and firmly. Mine got so bad that I couldn’t hold a pencil.
    Physio helped as did acupuncture, ultrasound (physio) and certain exercises I still have to do.
    Some people have gotten relief with ‘active release’-my massage therapist did a hint of it and man did that hurt!
    So, changing hands for mousing may stop the pain but the tendon or whatever is involved could still be compromised and will pop up later. See a real doctor and don’t ignore it (see I can say that without being loud).
    I feel your pain…oh wait that’s my tendonitis flaring up again. It’s been almost ten years since the initial injury.

  54. Comment by Skippy | 06.28.2012 | 11:58 am

    Should Lisa ( Hammer ) have no sympathy for your condition then apply to Steve Bauer for samples of ” Spider Tech ” ! Reminds me of the sort of irritation i was experiencing at the Tour de Suisse !
    Frustrating to find it only occurs off a bike as it limits the enjoyment of all that pie that was left over from Davis !

  55. Comment by centurion | 06.28.2012 | 12:08 pm

    Use your left hand, it feels like somebody else.

  56. Comment by John the Trainer | 06.28.2012 | 12:18 pm

    Lateral Epicondylitis, my friend. Step away from the mouse. Occupational hazard.
    disclaimer: I am not a Dr.)
    Seriously: ice, Ice, baby. Use a tablet more, or try a left-hand mouse. See a Dr, so you can get a scrip for OT/TPOO

  57. Comment by Hautacam | 06.28.2012 | 12:24 pm

    +1 for Dave at 7:05 & 7:06

    Go see a doc if your nurse roommate is not sufficiently sympathetic and/or helpful

  58. Comment by Lisa | 06.28.2012 | 12:25 pm

    I have been having the same issue in the same place. I am pretty sure it’s tendinitis or something. I feel it the most when I do weight lifting and push ups. I took a break from weights for a week, took Advil and am trying to be gentle. Seems to help.

  59. Comment by keith | 06.28.2012 | 12:39 pm

    It’s obviously a mix between bubonic plague and irish potato famine, or as those in the know call it, bubironic famague. Th

  60. Comment by bikemike | 06.28.2012 | 12:44 pm

    it’s an arrow in the knee but sort of around the elbow area. oh yes, you’ve been shot. if you’ve never been shot how would you know what it feels/doesn’t feel like? arrow, you’ve been shot.

  61. Comment by Skye | 06.28.2012 | 12:51 pm

    I once had a case of ‘horrible pain near my elbow disorder’, but rearranging my desk and taking a week of vacation helped. No seriously, it really helped. And that was 2 years ago and I’m still good, so I blame an ill-fitting desk configuration and not enough free time for my previous elbow problems.

  62. Comment by Nurse Betsy | 06.28.2012 | 1:14 pm

    I’m sure the Hammer is having limited sympathy with you Fatty, because of your refusal to go to a doctor. Seeing as,men in particular, are fond of self diagnosis, I say amputate. Or you could just get it properly cared for. You choice.

  63. Comment by Rod Martin | 06.28.2012 | 1:16 pm

    Looks like your Pronator Teres muscle. We auto mechanics have huge ones from turning wrenches all day. Since we all know you are inept at mechanical repair I’m going with the mouse idea. HTH

  64. Comment by Andrew | 06.28.2012 | 1:18 pm

    Inflamed funny bone.

    Explains some of your recent posts…..

  65. Comment by Laura | 06.28.2012 | 1:32 pm

    Fatty. I’m no doc but I agree with ClydeinKS. I had the EXACT same pain at the same times. Same diagnosis. Mine was caused by riding a frame that was too big, hyperextending my elbow. I waited to see a doc and ended up having to have injections in my elbow. They worked, but very painful. Go see a doc before you have to get the shots. Good luck.

  66. Comment by Susie H | 06.28.2012 | 2:05 pm

    hmmm…i obviously have nothing to add…:)

  67. Comment by AKChick55 | 06.28.2012 | 2:17 pm

    Fatty – I cannot help you. :) You must see a doctor for a good diagnosis. Or amputate. Or eat more pie. Or have another super cool contest.

    On another note, finally uploaded photos (I could have sworn I took more). I have to get the ones off my iPhone too sometime. I’ve been so swamped with work since I’ve been back, I haven’t had time to do much. Here is a link to my Facebook photo page – I think you can see them even if you aren’t my “friend.” If not, friend me. If you aren’t on FB and can’t see them not sure what to do. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150877549841990.409917.570086989&type=3

  68. Comment by Angie G | 06.28.2012 | 2:20 pm

    OMG!!! The posts are awesome!!!

    @berry- Menopause- Classic!!!! That would also explain the weight gain.

  69. Comment by aussie kev | 06.28.2012 | 2:32 pm

    tennis elbow – welcome to the club !!!

    should be ok if left alone in about twelve months !!!

    Allez Cadel

  70. Comment by Northern Neighbor | 06.28.2012 | 2:35 pm

    I developed the same pain when I moved to a taller computer table. I switched back to the old one (about 4″ lower) and the pain was gone in a week and never returned.

    You are one funny dude. Thanks for keeping us grinning and thinking about riding.

  71. Comment by no one | 06.28.2012 | 3:04 pm

    Google “golfers elbow.” It sounds like a possibility.

  72. Comment by Dr. George | 06.28.2012 | 4:05 pm

    You put the lime in the coconut, you drink them both together,
    put the lime in the coconut, then you’ll feel better.
    Put the lime in the coconut, and drink them both up,
    Put the lime in the coconut, and call me in the morning.”

  73. Comment by clericeric | 06.28.2012 | 4:20 pm

    You need a trackball mouse. Remember Tetris? Back in the day when you used to go to the arcade and drop quarters into bleeping, dinging boxes you were very proficient with these. You’ll love it on your computer, and it will make you feel like a kid again.
    Cheers, Eric
    logitech-wireless-trackball-m570.png

  74. Comment by LinsAus | 06.28.2012 | 4:28 pm

    Had the same. 8 weeks of physiotherapy did zilch. Apparantly shoulder issues can complicate matters. Don’t you have a dicky shoulder? Anyways quite apart from that I went on the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Eliminatin Diet (Dept of Imuunlogy) for digetive issues and to my amazement all of my aches and pains, night cramps, disrupted sleep plus more just went away within a week and a half. The physiotherapist was even more amazed. One week I had chronic tennis elbow and the next week I didn’t. My father (a bigger sceptic than I am) only did the additives/preserv free and was aamazed.

    Everyone has a tolerance level and if you ‘overfill the bucket it spills over’. Tolerance decreases with age.
    Number 1 – remove all additives and preservatives from your diet. See list here http://fedup.com.au/images/stories/AdditivesSchools.pdf
    Diet is here (some items have changed thus seeing is best) http://failsafediet.wordpress.com/the-rpah-elimination-diet-failsafe/
    Read through fsct sheets on fedup website especially Common Mistakes.
    The RPAH Elimination Diet is best done under supervision of a dietician/nutritionist plus you’ll get updates on foods as they get tested. (i.e. wombok is low chem, coriander & parsley is now medium)

    Idea is to follow diet for 2-3 weeks until symptom free then challenge by eating lots of one category (i.e. salicylates) to see if symptoms return. If so then you know. Return to base until symptom free again and challenge next category (i.e. amines).
    It’s a low chemical diet (both naturally occuring in food and added or artifical) and external so use fragrance free products i.e. toothpaste without mint (or use Bicarb Soda), pure soap, clothes washing detergents, cleaning products (use vinegar). Also no medications.

  75. Comment by dude | 06.28.2012 | 4:32 pm

    I am a troll, and I want attention.

    [Original comment edited for clarity and honesty. - FC]

  76. Comment by Ian | 06.28.2012 | 5:07 pm

    We can fix it, but you won’t be able to play piano

  77. Comment by robanjo | 06.28.2012 | 5:31 pm

    I’ve found that tapioca pudding applied to the digestive track is the most effective treatment for twisty hanging ouchy elbow.

  78. Comment by EdwinH | 06.28.2012 | 6:04 pm

    Once confirmed as genuine lateral epicondylitis and not bursitis or a lame excuse not to take out the trash or do the dishes, try the “Bandit Therapeutic Forearm Band”. Epi crimped my style for 2 years (could not hold a pen, brush teeth, etc.) and cortisone shots & PT made it worse. When I saw an orthopedic surgeon to schedule surgery, he said to try this first. 3 weeks later the pain was gone.

  79. Comment by Swanny | 06.28.2012 | 6:54 pm

    How is your eye site?

  80. Comment by Corrine | 06.28.2012 | 7:00 pm

    Definitely tennis elbow. I’m a family physican and see this a lot. We have an osteopathic doctor that does manipulations to help this. He realigns the tendon fibers ( hurts like heck while he does this) but then the fibers heal correctly. We also have some physical therapists who do the same sort of thing. It sounds like voodoo medicine but really helps a lot of my patients. See a doctor and get some help. If you want to fly to Fairbanks, AK I’ll see you and refer you!!

  81. Comment by LarryMc | 06.28.2012 | 7:11 pm

    Just as people get a bike fitting it’s pretty clear you are in need of a computer fitting. Otherwise it will just get worse. And like everyone else says see a sports medicine doctor.

  82. Comment by John | 06.28.2012 | 10:06 pm

    If you had a problem with your bike, you’d take it to a bicycle repairman.

    You seem to have a problem with your body, so take it to a doctor!

  83. Comment by LoPhat | 06.28.2012 | 10:17 pm

    I’m thinking Schistosomiasis.

  84. Comment by Occam's Blunt Razor | 06.29.2012 | 12:33 am

    Stop elbowing people out of the way.

    In Australia we are getting the news that the WHOLE of COLORADO is on FIRE!!!

    Stay safe, mate.

  85. Comment by davidh,marin | 06.29.2012 | 1:04 am

    Fatty, just ignore it. I can almost remember being 46. By the time your my age you’ll be talking about so many other maladies that this arm thingie will seem like a pimple.

    Lastly what does The Hammer say? I’d listen to her, or else your arm will be the least of your worries.

    Loved today’s post

  86. Comment by Philly Jen | 06.29.2012 | 3:45 am

    + plentysix on “Go see a doctor”

    That said, if it is diagnosed (by a doctor) as tennis elbow, you’ll probably want to take a gander at this piece:

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

    Modify your workstation + peripherals setup as well. Mousing southpaw is awesomeness.

    BTW, did I mention that you should probably get that checked out by a doctor? (She said as she elbowed him…)

    Get well soon!

  87. Comment by K | 06.29.2012 | 4:40 am

    looks like lateral epicondylitis to me. You can try bracing and physio, ice, massage and avoiding repetitive back-hands.

  88. Comment by Terri | 06.29.2012 | 5:41 am

    Tendonitis–Tennis Elbow. I have scar in that very area from where I had mine surgically repaired.

  89. Comment by Anonymous | 06.29.2012 | 7:16 am

    If it only hurts when you do these things:

    When I fully extend my arm (pain fades after a moment, though)
    When I pivot my wrist, side-to-side
    When anything hits this area, like at all
    When I hang from a pull-up bar
    When I twist my arm clockwise, so my palm is facing up
    When I’m kickboxing

    ….. then don’t do them! Oh and avoid playing tennis as it sounds like Tennis Elbow which I suffer from (and I rarely play tennis). I think mine maybe ‘mouse’ elbow?

  90. Comment by Stu | 06.29.2012 | 7:19 am

    Just a thought… but most people seem to think that you should be treating it like you do a mechanical bike problem, most of which IMO can be cured by lubrication. Have you tried oiling it?

  91. Comment by Roderick | 06.29.2012 | 9:06 am

    Fatty,
    I am a doctor and it sounds like tendinitis but you really need to see a doctor to check you out. We do other things like evaluate your blood pressure and check out other things that might make this worse. You could always come out to MO to see me and we could go for a ride!

  92. Comment by M | 06.29.2012 | 12:18 pm

    Had the same problem when I was poor and rode my husband’s road bike that was too big for me in a few century rides. Once I got a bike that fit the problem was solved. Perhaps one of your bikes needs a shorter stem.

  93. Comment by CherylH | 06.29.2012 | 1:31 pm

    Fatty… of course go to the doctor! but does your mouse have one of those scroll wheels? This is a big problem, scrolling and clicking with the small muscles of your index finger which attach straight up to your pain point. My MD explains those small muscles were not designed to do all that very fine movement continuously. Add to that bad ergonomics mouse surface too high or low etc. Your arm becomes useless.

    Even worse do use one of the touch-pads or stick things as a pointing device???? all are similar problems.

    Go get better and be glad it doesn’t hurt when you ride. See your local MD DO etc…..

    Cheryl

  94. Comment by Clydesteve | 06.29.2012 | 1:52 pm

    Fatty – Just sell your soul to the devil http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgcWfVvT_UM and become a zombie – they don’t have any pain.

    or get some mouse poison.

  95. Comment by Jeff Bike | 06.29.2012 | 3:34 pm

    I believe you said it didn’t hurt while riding, then quit working and go ride.
    That sounds like good advice! See ya in 20 miles!

  96. Comment by Rob | 06.29.2012 | 3:46 pm

    Tennis elbow. Stop playing tennis.

  97. Comment by Becky | 06.29.2012 | 4:01 pm

    lateral epicondylitis. In other words, tennis elbow. I have it. Don’t pick things up with your hand down and then lift. Ice it with pieces of ice in circular motions. Massage. physical therapy . stretching. One therapist massaged mine until tears came out of my eyes. But the next day it didn’t hurt at all. And then I went to North Dakota where the absence of any and all humidity got rid of the inflammation and I was pain free.

  98. Comment by Dr.Bryce | 06.29.2012 | 10:02 pm

    Fatty,

    Your mention that it hurts when you rotate palm up and full arm extension on a pull up bar you should be checked for an “Anterior Radius” in addition to the lateral epicondylitis previously mentioned. And a check to your Right clavicle, A/C joint and carpals. I’m a 40 minute drive North for you, or a 15 minute drive north of your good friends at SL Bike Co.

    I am willing. Email me.

  99. Comment by Dave | 07.2.2012 | 9:56 am

    I had this. You have Tennis Elbow. When was the last time you played Tennis?

  100. Comment by Heather M | 07.2.2012 | 8:41 pm

    You have way more answers than you need, but I had this horrible pain not from mousing but from awkward trackpad use on my laptop (i.e., laying down w/ laptop on your tummy and mousing with your hand in a wrist-raised kind of position). I try to not do that too much, plus I used a Theraband Flexbar to stretch (this produces a good-pain stretch). Here’s a video demo of the stretch: http://info.thera-bandacademy.com/flexbarelbow
    I’m not opposed to seeing doctors, though. Good luck!

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