Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a very common condition that affects the outside of the elbow. It is a type of repetitive strain injury that is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow).
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm and wrist movements, such as tradesmen, artists and computer users. The condition is characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can radiate down the forearm and into the wrist.
The symptoms of tennis elbow can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting objects
Weakness in the affected arm
Stiffness in the elbow joint
Radiating pain down the forearm and into the wrist
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
The treatment of tennis elbow typically involves a combination of rest, strengthening, and pain management. In some cases, as a last resort injections or surgery may be needed.
Modification: The first step to treating this condition is to modify your activities to take some load off the affected anatomy. This may involve taking a break from sports or work that involves repetitive arm movements, or changing how you do things that cause the pain.
Passive care: Utilizing techniques such as dry needling, splinting, taping and massage can be useful throughout the healing process to desensitize the area and promote healing.
Exercises and stretches: Strengthening the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint is key to recovery. With more strength and stability in the elbow we often see a reduction in pain and reduced likelihood of recurrence. This can be a bit of a balancing act because we want to strengthen the elbow with out aggravating the inflamed area hence why your health practitioner should work with you to figure out what exercises and at what dosage you should be prescribed. Exercises may include wrist curls, forearm extensions, and eccentric strengthening exercises.
Pain Management: Pain management may involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide short-term pain relief.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged tendon. This may involve removing the damaged tissue and reattaching the healthy tendon to the bone. However most cases can recover without injections or surgery.
Prevention is key when it comes to tennis elbow.
Some tips for preventing the condition include:
Awareness: If you engage in activities that involve repetitive arm and wrist movements, make sure to use proper technique to reduce the risk of injury. And be aware when the area is becoming sore to change the way you are doing it.
Take breaks: If you engage in activities that involve repetitive arm movements, take frequent breaks to rest your muscles and tendons.
Strengthen your muscles: Strengthening the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint can reduce the risk of injury.
Tennis elbow is a common condition that can be caused by repetitive arm and wrist movements. While the condition can be painful, it can be treated by a healthcare professional who has experience in treating the condition.
To make an appointment with one of our experienced Chiropractors call 92766604 or book online.
