Crooked Elbow

[tennis-n-sc]

About three years I was warming up for a match and while hitting some practice serves, felt a pop in my right elbow (serving arm). Since then, I have had a crooked arm. I can't straighten my arm all the way out. There is about a 10 degree constant bend. No pain. Just looks funny and limits my range of motion somewhat. I only recently saw an orthopaedic doc who diagnosed the problem as arthritis and offered no solution. Anyone ever have anything like this?

[Marius_Hancu]

Originally Posted by tennis-n-sc

About three years I was warming up for a match and while hitting some practice serves, felt a pop in my right elbow (serving arm). Since then, I have had a crooked arm. I can't straighten my arm all the way out. There is about a 10 degree constant bend. No pain. Just looks funny and limits my range of motion somewhat. I only recently saw an orthopaedic doc who diagnosed the problem as arthritis and offered no solution. Anyone ever have anything like this?

The fact that this was sudden makes me suggest you go for a 2nd opinion.

I'd go to an orthopedic surgeon. Go to a good hospital around you in the orthopedics area and ask around the patients for docs which dealt successfully with their arms. You need references, don't just trust anybody. References from family doctors could help too, but I trust those from former patients first. My experience is that the ortho surgeons are the best qualified. Did your initial doc ask you to have an X-Ray? He should have, IMO, as arthritis signs are clear on X-Rays, but sometimes only on MRI scans.

At least for knees, I know glucosamine is effective in cases of arthritis. It's over the counter, but I'd rather have it recommended by such a doctor. Take it in liquid form, something like 1500mg a day. The one from Syn-Flex is used by many.

[Ronaldo]

I have the exact same problem, diagnosed as osteoarthitis. Spent 10 weeks in rehab stretching and strengthening my arm until it was straight again. You haven't lived until wrapping a 5# weight on your wrist and dangling it for 15 minutes to straighten that elbow. Then wrist and bicep curls. It is obvious on X-rays.