What is tennis elbow and what can help the pain?

What is wrong with my elbow? Doctors HELP!?

• okayy so i have had this problem with my elbow for a while that sounds like tennis elbow, but is definitely not. everytime i try to extend it, it kills in the middle until fully extended. it also has to crack a lot where i can tell its out of place and i have to straighten it to put it back in, and then kills until it cracks really loudly. I have gone to doctors who just say to stop all sports and rest it for time, but that has not helped at all. I used to be a gymnast if that helps, i just quit 6 months ago. But i just cannot make this pain go away, any help?

• Answer:

  If I were you I'd go back to the doctor and explain that it's still giving you a lot of pain and discomfort. It might need to be examined to see if you have a dislocation - these are usually pretty easy to spot, but sometimes a partial dislocation can go undetected for a long time. It may also be a case of tendonitis, although you seem to have ruled that out for yourself. (How do you know it's definitely not "tennis elbow"?) The treatment is usually rest and, if necessary, painkillers, though doctors now are less likely to prescribe them than in the past, partly to lessen the chances of you sustaining further injury without noticing it. However, if there are complications you may need local injections and/or anti-inflammatories to help the healing process. One thing I would strongly suggest, though, is that you *don't* try putting it back in place yourself, as that can cause further damage and a lot of pain. I hope this helps!