What is Tennis Elbow ?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis
is a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow.
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players and can occur in anyone who performs repetitive motions involving the wrist and forearm.
The primary cause of tennis elbow is overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow.
This strain can lead to small tears in the tendon, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Common activities that can contribute to tennis elbow include playing tennis or other racquet sports, repetitive gripping motions
using a computer mouse extensively or engaging in activities that involve repetitive wrist and forearm movements.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include
pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness in the affected arm, difficulty gripping objects and worsening pain when performing activities that strain the forearm muscles.
Treatment for tennis elbow typically involves a combination of self-care measures and medical interventions.
Here are some approaches that can be helpful:
- Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the symptoms and give your elbow time to heal.
- Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises and stretches to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility.
- They may also use techniques like ultrasound or massage to aid in healing.
- Brace or forearm strap: Wearing a brace or forearm strap can help alleviate strain on the injured tendons and provide support during activities.
- Steroid injections: In some cases, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected area.
- Surgical intervention: If conservative treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgery may be considered as a last resort.
- The surgical procedure involves removing damaged tissue and repairing the tendon.
Important Key Points
Modify activities: Avoid or modify activities that exacerbate the pain. If certain motions or sports are causing discomfort
Take a break from them or modify your technique to reduce strain on the affected tendons.
Ergonomic adjustments: Make ergonomic adjustments to your workspace or equipment to minimize strain on your elbow.
Ensure that your desk, chair, and computer setup are aligned properly.
If you use a computer mouse extensively, consider using an ergonomic mouse or making modifications to reduce the strain on your forearm.
Gradual return to activities: When you start feeling better, gradually reintroduce activities that caused discomfort. Begin with lighter intensity and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time to avoid re-injury.
Warm-up and stretching: Prior to engaging in any physical activities or repetitive motions, perform warm-up exercises and gentle stretching to prepare your muscles and tendons for the activity.
This can help reduce the risk of further strain.
Strength training and flexibility exercises: Strengthening the muscles of your forearm and improving flexibility can help prevent future occurrences of tennis elbow. Work with a physical therapist or fitness professional to develop a safe and effective exercise program.
Use proper equipment: Ensure that your sports equipment, such as racquets or bats are the appropriate size, weight, and grip for your hand and playing style.
Using equipment that suits you well can reduce the strain on your forearm.
Take breaks and rest: Regularly take breaks during repetitive activities to give your forearm muscles and tendons time to rest and recover.
This can help prevent overuse and reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow.
Remember, everyone’s condition and response to treatment may vary
so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and personalized advice.
They can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and may recommend additional interventions if necessary.
Additionally, following a healthy lifestyle, maintaining good overall fitness, and avoiding smoking can contribute to your overall well-being and potentially aid in the healing process.
It’s important to be patient with the recovery process, as it can take time for tennis elbow symptoms to subside. With proper care, most cases of tennis elbow resolve within a few months but severe cases or those that are not responsive to conservative treatments may require more extensive interventions.