I dived on 23rd March to max 25.9m (avg 17m) for 41 mins on air, using a Suunto RGBM computer (Stinger). The dive did not incur stops, apart from a 3min safety at 3m (not mandatory but completed correctly). Conditions were moderate and it was cold (about 4º at depth). On the ascent, I noticed a pain in my left elbow. At the time, I put this down to suit squeeze. Over the coming days I noticed the pain again, but only when there were no other distractions or when I would try to lift something heavy with that arm. At this stage I was worried but in denial. Had I twinged the arm loading the boat before the dive and failed to notice? Could I be sure it wasn't just muscular? etc. I dive for work and any DCI would prohibit this, as the organisation is ultra cautious. Since that dive, I have dived again to simialr depths without any problems but the intermittent pain remains, on the inside of the elbow joint. My question is, if I have a DCI is the tissue damage permanent now (nearly 2 months later) or is there any benefit from declaring the incident and seeking treatment.
elbow pain
- Thread starter rboyle
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Dr Deco
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Dear rboyle:
Joint-pain decompression sickness (the bends) does not leave any permanent damage. The bubbles will grow and produce pain. If this gas does not shrink down, then other biochemical process occur and inflammation ensues. The pain will often persist for several days.
This is not true of nerve damage, however. Here the nerve could be permanently damaged. Numbness or paralysis would result.
I doubt for the standpoint of the lifetime of the gas phase that you could experience the pain of DCS several weeks following a dive. Recompression would not be of any benefit.
I would strongly suspect that you have some orthopedic problem other than DCS. One should visit a physician. The treatment could be as simple as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dr Deco
:doctor:
Joint-pain decompression sickness (the bends) does not leave any permanent damage. The bubbles will grow and produce pain. If this gas does not shrink down, then other biochemical process occur and inflammation ensues. The pain will often persist for several days.
This is not true of nerve damage, however. Here the nerve could be permanently damaged. Numbness or paralysis would result.
I doubt for the standpoint of the lifetime of the gas phase that you could experience the pain of DCS several weeks following a dive. Recompression would not be of any benefit.
I would strongly suspect that you have some orthopedic problem other than DCS. One should visit a physician. The treatment could be as simple as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dr Deco
:doctor:
art.chick
Contributor
I got elbow pain on the job (I am an artist) as part of a lovely tendonitis package. I have gotten relief from chiropractic care, orthopaedic medicine, and acupuncture. Unfrotunately, it is taking a long time to heal, but that is because I kept working after I noticed the pain. Once a joint is injured, the fun can keep moving into other joints as you favor the injured parts. If your job involves repetitive motion, re-injury can happen. Start getting help soon.
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