Tennis-Fishing Elbow?

[PotterSims]

Is there such a thing as "fishing elbow?" I bass fish 2-3x per week for about 2-3 hours per. I am right handed, so cast with my right arm. Recently, I noticed that the next day my left elbow is very sore. I use a St. Croix 7.1"  Legend Tournament bass rod Medium Fast with a Abu Garcia Revo MGX baitcasting reel for flipping, jigging and cranking. I recently purchased a Mojo Bass 7.9" MH rod that I use in weeds, grass and for long casts. I use a Shimano Curado E low-profile baitcasting reel.

 

Is my "fish elbow" related to my rod length and weight?

 

Please need input. Thanks.

[Wayne P.]

Been there done that.

It is the same as tennis elbow. Do web search for that.

 

There are exercises to deduce the effect and rest is the only way to fix it.

[Darren.]

Yes, and I, too, have had it in both arms.

 

Like Wayne said, there is a lot of info on

treating it, but we're each different. For me,

and this may sound crazy, pushups helped

my elbows more than anything -- that and 

rest.

 

I would do partial pushups - knees on ground,

and enough pushups to where I'd feel warmth

from the added blood flow into my elbow area.

 

That's my story!

[Raul]

Is there such a thing as "fishing elbow?" I bass fish 2-3x per week for about 2-3 hours per. I am right handed, so cast with my right arm. Recently, I noticed that the next day my left elbow is very sore. I use a St. Croix 7.1"  Legend Tournament bass rod Medium Fast with a Aby Garcia Revo MGX baitcasting reel for flipping, jigging and cranking. I recently purchased a Mojo Bass 7.9" MH rod that I use in weeds, grass and for long casts. I use a Shimano Curado E low-profile baitcasting reel.

 

Is my "fish elbow" related to my rod length and weight?

 

Please need input. Thanks.

 

Of course there is, I suffered "tennis elbow" about two years ago, 1 1/2 months of excruciating pain every time I made certain movements with my forearm, couldn´t use my bait casters because of it. All of it started the day I went fishing to a big pond/little lake, I was fishing from shore and that particular day I didn´t carry the "right" rod, I took a Shimano Clarus 6'6" MH spinning rod paired to a Sahara 2500 reel spooled with 10 lb test, that day fish were concentrated in two particular spots that were just within the reach of the longest cast I could perform, in an attempt to reach more I exaggerated the amount of energy I put in each cast the only thing that happened was I hurt my elbow badly.

[einscodek]

Of course there is, I suffered "tennis elbow" about two years ago, 1 1/2 months of excruciating pain every time I made certain movements with my forearm, couldn´t use my bait casters because of it. All of it started the day I went fishing to a big pond/little lake, I was fishing from shore and that particular day I didn´t carry the "right" rod, I took a Shimano Clarus 6'6" MH spinning rod paired to a Sahara 2500 reel spooled with 10 lb test, that day fish were concentrated in two particular spots that were just within the reach of the longest cast I could perform, in an attempt to reach more I exaggerated the amount of energy I put in each cast the only thing that happened was I hurt my elbow badly.

Me too the fishing elbow.. all as result of ripping world record single arm casts in order to reach further.. nowadays learning to stay within myself regarding casting.. also using the double arm cast more to mitigate

[Sprocket]

Yep, been there.  I had it bad.  Cortizone shot helped.  But I have learned not to extend my arm all the way on casts.  So far, that has really helped with no reaccurance.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[BassinLou]

Others have heard my story. Fisherman's elbow crippled my fishing for a long time 3 yrs ago. Fortunately I have overcome it, but I feel for any angler who has a severe case of fisherman's elbow. AKA: lateral epicondilitis. If not treated correctly it can become extremely debilitating. I tried the cortizon shot route. Yes, felt relief, but after 4 weeks the pain came back. Icing was a daily ritual, however that doesn't help cure it. I took high dosages of anti-inflammatories, which later caused me to have a kidney stone. (That is not fun what so ever!!!) Finally, after a 9 months of battling this issue, I was referred to a Physical Therapist that educated me, treated me extensively, and thank goodness helped me recover. I have since learned what to read the signs and back off or change the techniques that effected me. 

 

Fisherman's elbow is basically an overuse injury. Caused by a few reasons. As it pertains to the fisherman, incorrect repetitive form and/or heavy fishing equipment compounded with time can be a recipe for Fisherman's elbow. Also, weak back, shoulder, bicep and tricep muscles help exacerbate the issue. How to treat it? First off, you have to get the swelling down. Deep tissue massage although extremely uncomfortable helps tremendously. Ultrasound therapy in conjunction with massage therapy may be very beneficial. Finally, a well balanced strength training program will help ensure the issue will not return. 

 

Lastly, proper bio-mechanics. The angler could be holding the rod and reel incorrectly, although to the angler it may appear completely normal. Arm position, how we set the hook, etc can all be  culprits. Having others study the way you fish can be very helpful in correcting poor technique. 

 

To the OP, best of luck in dealing with this issue. After experiencing this injury, I can tell you its no laughing matter. If you want additional info or help, you can PM me at any time. 

[Senko lover]

Today I shoveled and carted over 90 loads of mulch into a wheelbarrow. Fishing strains are not even noticed . But then I'm young. Hope it feels better, man.

[BassinLou]

Today I shoveled and carted over 90 loads of mulch into a wheelbarrow. Fishing strains are not even noticed . But then I'm young. Hope it feels better, man.

Senko Lover, at 14 yrs of age, your almost bullet proof. 

[Crestliner2008]

I've had this malady twice in the past 12 years. Went to physical therapy both times. Both time they told me to wear the "Band-It" forearm brace while fishing. It works. Here's a video:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj44A7cfKHQ

 

You can pick one up on Amazon.com for less than $20.00. Best investment I've ever made.

[Senko lover]

Senko Lover, at 14 yrs of age, your almost bullet proof. 

 

And how! 

 

lol I was being funny but in all seriousness I hope ya'lls elbows feel better. That must be a lot of pain. 

[BassinLou]

And how!

lol I was being funny but in all seriousness I hope ya'lls elbows feel better. That must be a lot of pain.

Thankfully, mine has been fine for 3 yrs now.

[tnt2671]

not to sound like a know it all but i struggled with tennis elbow for 3+ years and got to the point were i needed surgery  as  pt , cortisone,anti inflamitories, icing rest  and other non surgical methods had totally stopped working. mine was due to repetitive motion at work and years of racing bikes.

i fish every day i can in season usually 5 -6 days a week. certain motions are bad,  the worst being straight arm palm down repetitive motions. certain people are predisposed to tennis elbo. lean small framed folks with heavily muscled forearms are the most susceptible because the muscle just grinds the tendon against the bone because theres just not enough room in the compartment in certain positions under load.

 the 2 things i use EXTREME caution doing while fishing are i NEVER pitch or flip palm down if you have the symptoms of te  using a big flipping stick and flicking that wrist backhanded  with an extended arm is a recipe for disaster , the other is frogs or repetitive action style baits. always keep a bend in your arm and again never backhand always handshake form or palm up if possible.

 

 there are a few great streches that anybody who has this issue should be doing daily fishing or not trust me if you inflame that tendon enough for enough time you'll be looking at the path i had to take and the recovery from the surgery is not short it took almost a year after surgery until i was near 100%. the brace listed above does work and it bought me an extra years worth of work before surgery but if your getting consistent pain you need to modify how your doing things that are causing the pain.

[gr8outdoorz]

If it is bothering you now go get it looked at! Left untreated it can cause serious problems. I am currently recovering from elbow surgery.

Mine started as an inflamed tendon & I basically ignored it. During a fly fishing trip last October, the pain became serious. Went to the doc when we got back home & found out why. The tendon started to tear.

After 7 months of cortisone shots, rehab, & procedure after procedure to no avail, I had to have surgery. After the operation, my surgeon informed me that he had to remove the bottom half of the tendon because it was shredded.

I hope you get over this quickly!

[BassinLou]

not to sound like a know it all but i struggled with tennis elbow for 3+ years and got to the point were i needed surgery  as  pt , cortisone,anti inflamitories, icing rest  and other non surgical methods had totally stopped working. mine was due to repetitive motion at work and years of racing bikes.

i fish every day i can in season usually 5 -6 days a week. certain motions are bad,  the worst being straight arm palm down repetitive motions. certain people are predisposed to tennis elbo. lean small framed folks with heavily muscled forearms are the most susceptible because the muscle just grinds the tendon against the bone because theres just not enough room in the compartment in certain positions under load.

 the 2 things i use EXTREME caution doing while fishing are i NEVER pitch or flip palm down if you have the symptoms of te  using a big flipping stick and flicking that wrist backhanded  with an extended arm is a recipe for disaster , the other is frogs or repetitive action style baits. always keep a bend in your arm and again never backhand always handshake form or palm up if possible.

 

 there are a few great streches that anybody who has this issue should be doing daily fishing or not trust me if you inflame that tendon enough for enough time you'll be looking at the path i had to take and the recovery from the surgery is not short it took almost a year after surgery until i was near 100%. the brace listed above does work and it bought me an extra years worth of work before surgery but if your getting consistent pain you need to modify how your doing things that are causing the pain.

 

 

If it is bothering you now go get it looked at! Left untreated it can cause serious problems. I am currently recovering from elbow surgery.

Mine started as an inflamed tendon & I basically ignored it. During a fly fishing trip last October, the pain became serious. Went to the doc when we got back home & found out why. The tendon started to tear.

After 7 months of cortisone shots, rehab, & procedure after procedure to no avail, I had to have surgery. After the operation, my surgeon informed me that he had to remove the bottom half of the tendon because it was shredded.

I hope you get over this quickly!

 

Sorry to hear this. I know that surgery is the only option left in extreme cases. Gr8outdoorz, I wish you the best during your recovery. TNT2671, dealing with the pain for 3 yrs + 1yr recovery is tough. Thankgoodness, you recovered. Fortunately, in my case, although my elbow hurt pretty good, it never got to the point of surgery. This injury can really sideline a fisherman for a good while. 

[papajoe222]

To answer your second question, no the length and weight of the rod you use doesn't cause the affliction. It can, however amplify the strain put on your forearm.  A rod that is tip heavy will put more strain on the forearm than one that is heavy in the butt section or balanced.  In an effort to reduce the strain using your current combos, you could move your hand up the grip (I like to rest my little finger on the trigger of my casting rods when cranking), or you could add some weight to the butt of the rod.  Depending on the diameter of the rear grip, taping nickles or quarters to it will give you an idea of how much additional weight is necessary to balance it. 

[scaleface]

I had it  .   Just picking up a cup of coffee was painful . The forearm brace helped me a lot . Now I always cast naturally no twisting of the elbow.On an overhead cast the thumb will be at the ten o'clock position . I never bend my joints to the extreme repeatedly. I'm also an avid bowler and after four decades had to relearn how to bowl naturally and not twist that elbow .

[Trek]

 I hear this from fishing guys all the time. Elbows, lower back and knees. The best solution is to workout. In the winter I'm in the gym three to four times a week and once a week with a trainer. In the summer I cycle. It's amazing how little I hurt now. Everyone wakes up in the morning and is sore and stiff at my age, at least I know why. Do yourself a favor and loose those extra pounds you keep saying your going to and take the time to workout a couple of times a week. Your body will reward you for it.

[gr8outdoorz]

I hear this from fishing guys all the time. Elbows, lower back and knees. The best solution is to workout. In the winter I'm in the gym three to four times a week and once a week with a trainer. In the summer I cycle. It's amazing how little I hurt now. Everyone wakes up in the morning and is sore and stiff at my age, at least I know why. Do yourself a favor and loose those extra pounds you keep saying your going to and take the time to workout a couple of times a week. Your body will reward you for it.

I hear where you are coming from on this and fully agree about working out keeping you healthy, however it is not the case with these injuries most of the time. I have been exercising & working out for a long time. These injuries are from overuse. We suspect it was caused from years of rock/mountain climbing & slinging fly rods.

[Catch 22]

I had it yrs ago mainly caused by casting reels . I gave them up for a couple reasons. Blowing up spools of braid down here in the wind and the elbows. I now use spinning reels exclusively and I always use two hands when casting,even if I`m throwing small jigs for crappies/perch.No  problems for 20 yrs now.

 

C22

[Bluebasser86]

I had it in both my elbows but mainly the left one. I wore a pressure band on it for awhile and it made it go away completely. 

[wnybassman]

Had it several times.   When I get it, I can curl a cement block, but unable to pick up anything of any weight palm down without severe pain.   The last time I had it bad the "skipping" motion just about brought me to my knees, and there was a dock bite.

[geo g]

I too had elbow problems from fishing 6 days a week.  I messed with the pain using message and rubs for about three weeks before getting a good pressure band that goes just below the elbow.  It has a small pad that you put over the most painful spot.  The constant pressure made a big difference in my case, which was a mild to medium case.  You can get a good pad at any good medical supply drug store.  The restriction band is worth a try.  Keep it tight while fishing.  Still keep up with ice, message, and inflammatory. treatment. Good luck.

[bighed]

Had a long bout of this too.  Never got the shot or surgery, just bought the lightest rods and reels I could find.  Started fishing finesse more.  Pain slowly went away and I started catching more fish to boot!

[bassless]

I would encourage you to see a doctor and find a fix now, before it gets worse.

 

I had medial epicondylitis...golfers elbow.  With golfers elbow the pain is on the inside of the elbow, tennis elbow is on the outside of the elbow.  When I first started having my pain I was mountain biking, fishing, shooting lots of magnum handguns, reloading, and lifting weights...any of that stuff could have contributed to it.  I kept using the elbow through the pain, but eventually it got bad enough that I had to see the doctor.  That began a 4 year process of trying to heal my elbow.  It hurt anytime I used my arm.  Washing my hands hurt, picking up a cup of coffee, petting the dog, scratching my face...anything...no matter how small...brought tons of pain.

 

Ultimately i had physical therapy, countless doctors visits, 5 cortisone shots, a non-invasive surgery, and then a standard surgery when they open you elbow up.  It was a long frustrating battle that cost me several years of activity.  I started to think I'd never have use of the arm again because nothing was working.

 

Finally, about a year after the big surgery, the elbow started to feel a little better.  I slowly began lifting weights again and it seemed to be holding up.  Now, 18 months after the big surgery (and about 4 years after this first started) I have pretty much full use of my elbow again.  I can fish all day slinging long hard casts, I can ride the mountain bike for 10 or 20 miles, everything is good...but it took a looonnnnng time with a lot of trouble, expense, and frustration.

 

In my experience, once it progresses to a certain point, the easy fixes won't work and surgery becomes the only option.  Get it checked early and hopefully you can minimize your down time.