Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 2/13/2007

Question
I think there is something wrong with my right arm,basically when I twiest my wrist I get a pain inmy wrist and shooting down to me elbow(funny bone area), I can do a bicep curl motion  without much pain but when I twist my wrist or clench my fist I get a pain going down my arm to my elbow, I cant remember hurting my arm,perhaps its a traped nerve, should I go to a chiropractor or doctor for this?what do you think it is?

Answer
Mark,

Thanks for your question. It sounds like you might be suffering from a tendonitis (inflammation in a tendon or the tendon covering). Your symptoms resemble those of medial epicondylitis, or "Golfer's Elbow," which is usually due to repetitive overuse of the forearm/wrist muscles.

Chiropractors who utilize soft tissue manipulation techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofasial or active release techniques, therapeutic ultrasound and stretching should be able to help, and they may also address related joint problems, including those of the wrist, with manipulation or mobilization techniques.

Additional treatments might include physical therapy, ice therapy, acupuncture, and in more severe cases, a medical doctor might prescribe a short-term anti-inflammatory medication.

Tendonitis can become a chronic problem if not treated appropriately and if the individual suffering from the problem does not modify his or her activities to reduce repetitive stress to the injured area.

I hope that this answers your question.