Ask Doctor Chris: Bad circulation and tennis elbow

Ask Doctor Chris on Bad circulation & tennis elbow | Ask the doctor

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Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about heavy periods and back pain.

The problem: My fingers go blue

I've always had poor circulation. Even on my good days my lips and fingers turn blue. Can you suggest anything that might help?

The solution

See your GP, as you need to be referred to a vascular consultant to find the exact cause. If you smoke, stop immediately as this inhibits circulation, especially if you have diabetes. The combination of smoking and diabetes also increases the risk of gangrene, which could result in losing a limb.

The problem: Joint pain really hurts

I get an excruciating pain up and down my arm from the elbow joint, whenever I bend, or turn it. A friend says it's tennis elbow - but I don't play tennis!

The solution

The term 'tennis elbow' refers to a repetitive strain of the tendons at the elbow joint, which may be caused by tennis, golf - or even typing at a keyboard.

The tendons become inflamed, painful and tender, and the condition's more common in the over-30s. Treatment involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, ice-packs and exercises to strengthen the affected muscles. Ultrasound and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also help, but if there's no improvement in six weeks you may need a steroid injection.