What is tennis elbow and what can help the pain?

I need help with a rare type of elbow injury? I used my hands to support the weight of my head during long restless study hours, now I've developed chronic elbow pain. What should I do?

• What type of injury would u expect to occur if u place your upper arm on the table for too long? I had to do this for 4 weeks straight because I had to study for the exams and I had no previous preparation and was way behind schedule so I had to study day and night and I would place the upper part of my arm near the elbow on the table so I could use my hands to support my head for the long restless hours of studying and pretty soon I developed pain and soreness in both elbows but I had to push through the pain till the end of the exams, now I've developed chronic elbow pain and don't know what to do about it. I've given it plenty of rest and have tried exercise and stretching and heat and fish oil but none of them have helped. I went to an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in hand surgery, he took an x-ray of my arm and told me that I was fine! I can't lift heavy objects or rest my elbows on the table for longer than a few minutes without experiencing pain. I haven't had any prior injury or trauma to my arm or elbows. So what do I do? Who do I see?

• Answer:

  It’s not likely ligaments and tendons but rather irritated nerves/nerve compression... specifically the Ulnar Nerve. Distally the Ulnar nerve supplies several muscles of the hands Ulnar Nerve Entrapment around the Cubital Tunnel. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, and Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome/ Guyon Canal Syndrome. Exercise and stretching the affected area may be causing more damage than good. Do so within 'Comfort' levels and be aware of 'Pain Levels'. Stop leaning on the affected area!! Wrists, shoulders, and Especially the ELBOWS. The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are worsened by performing activities that require the bending of the elbow, especially when bearing a load and twisting the wrist and/or shoulder. Do not overreach to the point of pain! Do not do aggravating actions. Cushion your elbow with ace bandage wrap and foam. Ice daily. Nerves can heal, aggravation without further irritation may go away within 6 to 8 weeks. In any case seek additional care... Occupational therapy, possibly physical therapy, maybe a neurologist. Surgery is not likely needed based on what you have said. Often nerve issues are overlooked. After all doctors cannot feel your pain. With an x-ray it may be difficult to diagnose as it is difficult to see since the indicator is typically inflamed tissue around the nerve. I hope I was helpful and good luck.