Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 2/25/2010

Question
Himy son is a college pitcher who 18 moths ago ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery(TJS). He completed all his rehab and follow up appointments and has resumed competitive throwing. Recently he has begun to experience some pain in the wrist and tingling of the fingers in his throwing arm a couple of days after pitching. He doesn't have pain while he's throwing. He ices, receives massage and ultra sound between outings. It appears to be an inflamed nerve. Beside the use of an analgesic or a corticosteriod injection is there any other rehabilition or medication alternative to consider. At this point is rest the best medicine or should the athlete try and work through the inflamation as often this is a process when recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Please advise

Answer
Many things can cause the symptoms you are describing:  entrapment of the nerve, scar tissue build up, irritation, etc.  He is doing the right things as far as icing; I would suggest you find a good sports chiropractor to have the elbow assessed for misalignment, which can also cause irritation