Today was one of those days that young athletes and young weekend warriors rarely experience due to the fact that they are much more resilient than old guys like me. I have fond memories of waking up with a little ache or pain the morning after a hard workout, and bouncing back within 24 hours. Now...not so much!
Today I had an appointment with a great orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brian Shafer of Arizona Bone and Joint Specialists...great doc! I have been receiving physical therapy, for about two weeks now, in an attempt to alleviate the severity of my lateral epicondylitis (elbow pain). After very little progress, I was advised to see an ortho for additional treatment options.
The pain has been so severe that I was concerned I might have suffered an avulsion fracture to the condyle (bump on the bone) where specific tendons attach. An avulsion fracture occurs when a tendon or ligament pulls a small piece of bone away from the attachment point. Fortunately, x-rays confirmed that no avulsion exists, and I simply have a severe case of tennis elbow.
What's the treatment you ask? As always, its a nice long needle shoved into the area of injury! Today I received a very uncomfortable injection of depomedrol, a strong cortico-steroid, to help alleviate the inflammation that is now surrounding the joint capsule. By alleviating the swelling, the healing process can improve, and I can get back on my mountain bike, and train at higher intensities, sooner.
Following the injection, my elbow swelled up pretty good, and became so stiff (apparently a normal side effect) that I was not able to perform my bike session, even on the indoor trainer. It hurt far too bad to try and support myself while on the bike...and I wanted to give it the opportunity to heal. I elected to go for a hike instead...and I really dont care for hiking! I went anyway, joined by Donna, and ended up burning up almost 600kcal...so all was not lost.
The bad thing however, is that Dr. Shafer suggested I try to do most everything left handed for a little while! So I am typing this post with one hand, doing my best to use more than one finger!
Here's the good news though...tonight is Friday night, which means I get to drink some wine...it's the 80-20 rule! What? I didnt mention the 80-20 rule? Ahhh...stay tuned!
Glad to hear that the pastime of wine, which YOU turned me onto, is going to be okay on a few occassions.
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