Tendinitis or more serious?

[buffygirl]

I hate to be a complainer, but I'm dealing with some pain and I'm not sure whether I should go to the doctor or not.

About a year and a half ago I got tendinitis in my right elbow. It killed me for the better part of the last 18 months. I somewhat controlled it with Aleve and rubs and chiropractic. About 6 weeks ago it went away completely, I was thrilled. About 2 weeks ago, it showed up full force in the left elbow.:( It hurts so bad and now as of last week the right elbow started up again, not as bad, but definitely far from normal.

The other things that have been happening in that same time frame is jaw pain, pretty severe when I open my mouth that goes back and forth from side to side, but not all the time. Also really bad pain on my spine high between my shoulder blades. And my normal struggles with my bad hip and knee that seem like they just won't go away.

I guess I"m not sure where to start. My GP? Is this just part of aging (I'm 41)? I eat medium, am about 40 pound overweight and do yoga several times per week.

Any thoughts?

Kim

[SusanMac]

No, what you described, definitely doesn't sound like a normal part of aging, particularly at 41.

I'd definitely recommend going to your GP. It could be weight related (particularly the shoulders, hips, knees), but I'd want to ask a Dr to be safe if I were you.

(this from someone who always procrastinates going to the Dr!)

[buffygirl]

Susan, thanks for the input. I'm worried about rheumatoid arthritis so I think I should go get checked...thanks for the confirmation.

[Valerie226]

I was thinking of epicondylitis at first but that is strictly an elbow issue. usually overuse or misuse of the lower arm and wrist area. Those issues may or may not even be connected. time to go see an objective person who can evaluate things for you.

[buffygirl]

Just a quick update on this. I went to my doctor (primary) and she diagnosed tendinitis in both elbows. She ruled out any type of arthritis somehow, I guess just by syptoms and examination. She put me on an anti-inflamatory which has helped quite a bit, I'd say the pain is 60-70% better after 1 week on the meds. The muscles are still pretty sore. She said to call her back after the 2 week course of meds was up and if I was still having pain, she would prescribe cortisone shots.

Next, I will go to a hip/knee doctor...Oy.