Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse and repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
The Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow usually develops over time.
Repetitive motions like gripping a racket during a swing can strain the muscles and put too much stress on the tendons. That constant tugging can eventually cause microscopic tears in the tissue.
Tennis elbow might result from:
- Tennis
- Racquetball
- Squash
- Weight lifting
It can also affect people with jobs or hobbies that require repetitive arm movements or gripping such as:
- Carpentry
- Typing
- Painting
- Knitting
- Dentist
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness in the bony area on the outside of your elbow. The pain may also radiate into the upper or lower arm. Although the damage is in the elbow, you’re likely to hurt when doing things with your hands.
Tennis elbow may cause the severe pain when you:
- Lift something
- Make a fist or grip an object, such as a tennis racket
- Open a door or shake hands
- Raise your hand or straighten your wrist
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Usually tennis elbow will heal on its own. You just need to give your elbow a break and do what you can to speed the healing. Types of treatment that help are:
- Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling. 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain is gone.
- Using an elbow strap to protect the injured tendon from further strain.
- Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), You should only use them occasionally, unless your doctor says.
- Performing range of motion exercises to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility.
- Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles.
- Cortisone/PRP injections