Concept2 Forum

I have developed a case of golfers elbow. I'm trying to determine if its because of my erging technique, my D handle,, my computer mouse technique, my straight bike handlebars, or a combination of those activities.<br><br>According to the web, <br><br>Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is similar to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). But it occurs on the inside of the elbow where muscles of the inner part of the forearm attach to the epicondyle of the upper arm bone (humerus). This differs from tennis elbow, which affects the muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow is tendinitis caused by overuse or overload of the inner forearm muscles. These muscles flex the wrist, allowing you to bend your hand toward your body. Other activities that involve the wrist, such as racquetball, also may cause golfer's elbow.<br><br>Has anyone else developed this problem due to erging?<br><br>grams

I have had severe golfer's elbow in the past from on water rowing combined with overzealous weightlifting. With regards to rowing (or erging) it is a classic overuse injury worsened by breaking the arms at the catch rather than keeping the elbows straight and wrists flat. In my case it was severe enough that even bumping my inner elbow caused excruciating pain.<br><br>Fortunately, my elbows healed with minimal training missed from simply correcting my technique (legs only drills helpful here-this drill helps rowers who tend to use their arms or shoulders too early in the stroke) and backing off the weightlifting. In addition, ice bucket soaks for the elbow after workouts and anti-inflammatory meds were also helpful.<br><br>Hope this helps. It should get better with time and surgery is rarely necessary for this type of problem. If you don't get better see an orthopod who could prescribe PT.<br><br>John

Thanks for the insights. I think it is as you say; I am breaking my arms too early. I had strained a tendon in my left leg originally. So then I started favoring it, and got a muscle tear in my right calf. So then... favoring my legs I probably started overusing my back and arms and shoulders..... Its easy to see how everything is connected to everything else.<br><br>I know using my mouse without wearing the elbow strap makes it worse. So now I have a wireless mouse and am experimenting with different positions.<br><br>The good news is that I can still erg just fine-as long as I don't try to better any of my times. I am experimenting with erging with my palms in the 'down' position some of the time and with them 'up' some of the time. That seems to help too.<br><br>Today I rolled my online logbook over the 2 million meter mark. There is always a goal that is reachable on the erg, even with an injury.<br><br><br>

Grams,<br><br>I have seen other posts recently by people who have developed sore elbows after using the new model D handle.<br><br>Some were going to shift back to the old C handle - I havent seen any posts since they did this.<br><br>I remember that Paul S was one of those people maybe he can update on his experience with the handles.<br><br><br>Bill

Grams,<br><br>Have a look at these - might be something helpful here<br><br><a href='http://concept2.ipbhost.com/index.php?s ... 8&hl=elbow' target='_blank'>http://concept2.ipbhost.com/index.php?s ... r><br>Bill

I had severe lower arm pain, I could not make a tight fist, and I could not use a keyboard- all due to erging. The injury went away almost immediately after I changed the way I was gripping the handle. I did some research on this forum and realized that I was gripping way too hard, and also wrapping my hands around the bar was totally wrong. <br><br><br><br>

Yes, I did go back to the "C" handle and my elbows have been happy ever since. PaulS did have a tip on how to use the "D" handle to correct this but I am happy with the "C" handle, so I haven't tried it Perhaps some of us are more prone to this injury then others.<br><br>Paul S - 64 - Pacemaker/Defibrillator - 270lbs - 6"2"

<!--QuoteBegin-Paul S+Nov 2 2004, 01:47 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (Paul S @ Nov 2 2004, 01:47 PM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin--> PaulS did have a tip on how to use the "D" handle to correct this but I am happy with the "C" handle, so I haven't tried it Perhaps some of us are more prone to this injury then others.<br> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br> Just keep the knuckles across the back of your hand parallel with the New D handle. Or Grams can get a spare Model C handle from me, I'd trade her if she would like. I was just about to do another upgrade anyhow.<br><br>- Paul Smith<br><br>PS - Can you feel when the defib produces a shock, or is there any kind of warning?

The defib has only fired once. I got it on Dec 2, 2002. On Jan 28, 2003 it fired, on a dive boat, off the coast of Belize. Needless to say I doubt if there is much of an EM service on Belize. I knew my heart was beating rather fast but that was all the warning. It was like a big punch to the chest, but then instantly gone. I always felt like I really didn't need it. Of course that little incident changed my mind. At the time I just sat down and did some deep, slow breathing and calmed things down.<br>Nothing since then. That one time very possibly saved my life since 90 some percent of people who go into Atrial Fibrulation die.<br><br>Paul S

Interesting post. For a newby like me, the info. was informative about gloves, etc. I have suffered similar problems myself over the years. Once, (due to an injury to my shoulder) I was taking physical therapy for it, I started developing elbow pain from the physical therapy!!! I then had to take PT for injuries caused by PT!! <br><br>If the problem continues you might consider getting PT for it. There are exercises for it, but you should consult a physician first before doing them. My experience with my elbow pain is that it always comes back. Best to eliminate the cause if possible. One of the things you may try is to grasp the handle without wrapping your thumb around it. It does seem to help. Good luck

Hi Paul,<br> Glad you could share your experience with the defib with us. I remember my patient telling me that his defib fired on 2 occasions, and he felt it like a mule kicking him. Once he was swimming, & the lifeguards pulled him out when he was lying motionless face down in the water. Since taking up erging, he has not experienced any more of such incidents, and he can row an hour at 2:20 pace.<br>I have recommended slow long erging to those suffering from tachycardia. It is a self limiting mode of exercise, and you won't be exposed to the danger of lying face down in water.<br>KC63

Thank you Dr. Yes I have been trying for a few weeks now to keep 20 SPM and lower. This seems to be very beneficial, especially in strength building. Before I hop on the erg I do 30 minutes on a treadmill which is basically a warm up. I have noticed for the last 3 sessions I can go the 30 min on the T-mill just nose breathing without having to breath thru my mouth. My best average for 30 min so far this year has been 2:38 which is fine with me. I love my rower. Even at the end of the 30 minutes when I ever so slowly try to stand back up it hurts so good!!!<br><br>Paul S - 64 - 270lbs - pacemaker/defibrillator

I have been taking it too easy with my erging since this problem flared up. I am presently trying long slow sessions and alternating an over-grip with an under-grip when I get a twinge. I am hoping that building up my opposing muscles is helping.<br><br>PaulS- can we trade witha caveat that if the good old C handle is not any better that we can trade back? I think it might solve my problen but there is only one way to make sure, and that is to try it. <br><br>grams

Grams,<br><br>Get a track ball. It is far better than a mouse.<br><br>A lot of forceful low rate rowing will aggravate the tendons in wrists and elbows.

A track ball is deadly for my carpel tunnel problem. I got a cordless mouse and moved my mouse pad to a different position. It seems to be working.<br><br>Got a 'new' Roy Orbison cd (Black & White Nights) and erged for an hour at 19 spm using elbow straps an had no pain. <br><br>Earth to John: I've got enough physical strength to erg faster but not enough lung capacity. Some of us short female people have tiny lungs. I can't erg at high spm for very long without going completely anerobic and falling off the erg. <br><br>I'm not competing with you-Ole Granny is my nemesis. If I can keep at this sport as long as she has I will be extremely happy. And Luanne Mills is my role model-she has been picked for the USIRT Team again this year. She will be defending her World Record. Does anyone know what pace she did it at? I can't remember. <br><br>grams<br><br>