Any advice for nerve pain in elbows?

voy-tech · Since 08 Apr 2014 372 Posts Seattle Obsessed **CGKA Member**

Hi, usually when have a long exhausting session I end up with some nerve pain in one or both elbows (basically something like Ulnar Nerve Entrapment) and wind chill also intensifies the issue. Since I've switched to short wetsuit with the summer temps I'm thinking about getting some neoprene sleeves to cover the elbows when kiting, but I was wondering if you've experienced similar issue and if you have any good advice in handling it.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2058 Posts PNW Bigfoot

voy-tech · Mon Jun 22, 15 12:17 pm

I had this since long time ago when I was windsurfing 10 years ago, and it pops up now and then when kitesurfing, usually when I'm pushing myself more when jumping and trying new things. The impact of cold I've noticed is that once I warm the elbow after kiting (or in between when taking a break) the pain subdues, traditionally I didn't had that many kite days as I get now living in Oregon, so looks like I'll need to look after it a little more.

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 450 Posts Obsessed

I would go to a good physical therapist. I have had a ton of positive results from "The Kor" in Hillsboro but they have other locations. one example - I damaged a nerve on my left side while bench pressing. I went from benching 250lb to literally not being able to manage one push up. They created a whole training program that got me back to full strength in 6 weeks.

they also went through some proper stretching and conditioning exercises for my back which also helped keep away the various aches and pains from kiteboarding.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1471 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

hmmmm, if your elbow hurts when it gets cold - don't let it get cold.

1. try a neoprene sleeve - cheap option.

2. kite with a wider bar.
wider bars give you more leverage to turn the kite. easier on the elbow.
it helped a friend who was having elbow pain.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2058 Posts PNW Bigfoot

jerp · Since 22 Feb 2013 450 Posts Obsessed

.... Say goodbye to riding rooster rock when the easterlies switch on Smile

Ive tried riding a 6m with a 55cm bar (forgot my smaller bar) and it's not awesome.

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 289 Posts Obsessed

I have a similar problem. It's started when I rode turbos (heavy bar pressure). Got rid of those.. Still happens a bit if I jump and try new moves. Cold bothered it as well.

I tried physical therapy for 8 weeks. Had injection PRP (I think that's the acronym). That helped...had that done 3 times. Next would have been surgery...

Started acupuncture with electro-therapy. It seemed like a miracle because it worked! I am typically not a fan of any kind of eastern medicine but I was desperate.....just happened that my boss's son had finished his masters in acupuncture so I tried it on her advice. It took a bit of time but the pain went away.

It bothers me more when I jump lots but I calm it by seeing my guy once a month. I do stretch somewhat regularly.

Best of luck.

wylieflyote · Tue Jun 23, 15 6:16 am

I always bring back 10 tubes of Voltarin Cream when I return from Mexico. It's a topical NSID that is super cheap down there ($1.60 per tube). I keep a tube in my glove box for the drive home from kiting. Helps all aches every time. Can also be purchased in the US:
http://www.voltarengel.com/consumer/default.aspx

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

could be tennis elbow. I get it too, usually early in the season and it is something I can work through. On another note some people claim alfalfa sprouts work wonders:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-27767.html

voy-tech · Tue Jun 23, 15 6:40 am

Thanks guys, I use voltarin cream for various injuries but in this case it does not help since it's a nerve issue not tissue/bone injury. I've researched it and it's neither tennis or golfer elbow which are related to tendons in the elbow, this is strictly nerve pain coming from ulnar nerver being compressed or otherwise irritated.

Rooster is too much fun to give up, worst case I'll just shorten my sessions there Smile

I might try acupuncture at some point if it gets too much.
Not sure if I can get wider bars though, I primarily use 12m Rally and a 10m Bandit (with the Rally bar) which use the wide Slingshot bar.

Dern · Since 11 Jul 2010 544 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Perhaps an osteopath could help you out?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4907 Posts Portland Unstrapped

light wind - pumping a big kite = can aggravate the elbows

notice this since doing more foil boarding - seems the added resistance of the foil underwater, marginal light winds and dragging around/falling as a newb. This one is probably more tennis elbow/tendon related

marina · Since 16 Jan 2006 150 Posts California coast Stoked

I had to get one of those tension bands and it really helped with the pain. Got mine from chuck it elbow!

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jun 24, 15 1:26 pm

Try masturbating with your thumb down. May cause minor chaffing, but it should help. A top physical therapist who used to kite and post here (kiteme) gave me this tip, works wonders

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2058 Posts PNW Bigfoot

voy-tech · Thu Jun 25, 15 6:08 am