tendonitis in elbow

I've got tendonitis in my left elbow since we starting biking again. I can't figure out why. I understand why my right knee is sore but not my elbow. I try and ride 'loose' and not lock my elbows. Also, I tend to move all over the handlebars. I'll ride on the top where the brakes are for awhile, move to the bar part on top that isn't near the brakes, then use the drop handles. I don't stay at one position for long. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it but all our riding is hilly, there are no flats. Any ideas on what might be happening?

Kim wrote: I've got tendonitis in my left elbow since we starting biking again. I can't figure out why...... Any ideas on what might be happening?

Hi Kim, welcome to the tendonitis club. You said your knee is sore, is that tendonitis also? Well, I've got a whole mess of stuff wrong with my joints. if i was a horse they'd shoot me ;-)

cycling is the duct tape that holds me together Here're some things that help me, hope this helps you as well. If you're doing these then just ignore me ;-)

* past 40? (I am) try glucosamine, only thing it can hurt is your wallet
* green tea, don't know why but I feel less sore
* can't say enough about cross training, riding a lot? do sumthin' else! It'll help your cycling, gives the supporting muscles a workout, and the tired one's a break...
* do you stretch your upper body? I do but will be soing some yoga also
* oh, and there's always the ever popular bike fit advice, that's key

well, gotta go ~~

Kim wrote: I've got tendonitis in my left elbow since we starting biking again. I can't figure out why...... Any ideas on what might be happening?

me too!!
pain in my left elbow only, i've tried all of trek 420's suggestions except the green tea (which will be next) but that nagging ache is still there. if you figure it out let us know.

pedaddler wrote "i've tried all of trek 420's suggestions except the green tea (which will be next)"

My martial arts instructor swears by green tea (also doesn't do caffeine, sugar, processed flour... I can't go that far) besides the anti-occidant thing it seems to flush out the lactic acid which is not a part of tendenitis as far as I know but does make you sore.

She's also a big fan of the herb "arnica" which can be taken internaly, externaly or even both for any soreness. I've tried it, does nothin' for me.

Staying hydrated helps my joints, when I'm not....feel kinda creaky.

I slept wrong on my left arm about 3 months ago and suffered terribly! My arm, at one point, swelled, the tendon from the bottom of the bicep was so tight I could hardly straighten my arm. The tendon below the elbow hurt to the point I couldn't grasp and pick anything grasping the object with my finger tips.

I have been taking a combination glucosamine, chondroitin, msm supplement with little to no relief.

Alas, I bought and tried a liquid supplement combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, msn and the result is amazing! The swelling is completely gone, the bicep part is loose and I have complete range of motion without pain. We went for a ride yesterday on our mtb and hoped I wouldn't aggrevate anything. Last night, I had zero pain.

The product is called Liquid Joint Repair. The website is: www.utrition.us

Vickie

Thanks for the ideas.

I haven't been able to ride since Tuesday because my bike was in the shop getting a tuneup; I plan to ride later today when I'm through studying. The pain is still there. It hurts when I extend my arm all the way rather than flex it. I don't think the knee pain is tendonitis. Just had been sore and I'm sure from all the hills we have to climb. It is a good sign that I need to see my chiropractor and get back in line.

I found a bottle of of some stuff called Cool Cayenne in our cabinet that I had bought but never tried. It seems to take the edge off. I'll try the liquid stuff, stretching, and I've got some Rodney Yee yoga DVD's that I love but haven't been doing in awhile (I don't know why I do that, lay off of yoga, because it makes me feel good. Nursing school has eliminated a lot of things in my life that I need to figure out how to work back in. I ride to keep from going stark raving mad!)

In May I'll be part of the 40 club. My LBS fitted me for the bike. It took us awhile to find the right fit because I have a long torso.

Before I ride this evening I'll warm up and also rub some China gel on my elbow (it is like Icy Hot). That may help. Whatever it takes!

Do you think lifting light weights will help or hinder? I've got a set of Powerblocks that I haven't used much since I started school in May.

I don't know if you are wearing them or not, but cycling gloves helped me tremendously. They take some of the vibration and shock out of the elbow.

I figured out it isn't the tendon that hurts but just the muscles in forearm. We ride on a very rough road and it is hills, hills, hills. Heck even my driveway is a hill. I think between the hills and the rough road I must be gripping the handlebars like it is my only point of contact between the Heavens and Earth. I tried to lighten up a bit today. I do have gloves. I think I am going to get some bar tape like my husband has. His is thicker and a gel like tape. That might help some of the vibration that tends to make me want to hang on for dear life.

BTW, The Cool Cayenne supplement by Solaray is wonderful!

Another idea, if you can find one and/or afford one, a massage might work wonders, even just a few minutes (10-15, if localized on that problem) can really help.

good luck!