Pain near elbow/funnybone?

Question

I have been practicing volleyball a great deal, and now 2 days before tryouts I am noticing a serious pain near my elbow. If I serve with the bottom of my hand it really hurts. It also hurts to fully extend my arm. I can move it in all directions though. Did I sprain something? Ice did not help, will tape?

Answer 1

Sounds like tendonitis, also known as tennis elbow.  It is an inflammation of the tendon due to over use.  The only way to heal it is to rest the joint and take anti-inflammatory meds (Advil, Motrin).

If you still want to try out, you must use the advil (take the amount recommended on bottle---usually 1 or 2 tabs every 4 or 6 hours.   You have to reduce the inflammation to heal the tendon and reduce the pain.  Ideally, you should rest it (no practicing) but if you are sure you want to try out, use the advil, rest it as much as you can, and tell your coach about it.  Don't abuse the joint to the point where you will have problems with it for years.