Tennis Elbow or Lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition that occurs when tendons in your elbow are overused/damaged , by repetitive motion of the wrist and arm.
Causes Of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, can be caused by:
Repetitive Motion
Engaging in repetitive activities that strain the forearm muscles, such as tennis, racquet sports, or repetitive gripping tasks, can lead to overuse and subsequent inflammation of the tendons.
Poor Technique
Incorrect form or technique during physical activities, especially those involving repetitive arm motions, can strain the tendons and lead to tennis elbow.
Muscle Imbalance
Weakness or imbalance in the muscles of the forearm and wrist can increase stress on the tendons, contributing to tennis elbow.
Age
While tennis elbow can affect individuals of any age, it is more common in adults aged 30 to 50, possibly due to natural degeneration of tendons and muscles over time.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, typically presents with the following symptoms:
Pain And Tenderness
Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, particularly around the bony knob (lateral epicondyle) on the outside of the elbow.
Weak Grip
Difficulty gripping objects, especially when shaking hands or lifting.
Painful Movements
Pain worsens with certain movements, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting the forearm, and during activities like lifting weights or turning a screwdriver.
Stiffness
Stiffness in the elbow joint, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Radiating Pain
Pain may radiate from the outer elbow down the forearm.
Difficulty Extending The Arm
Difficulty fully straightening the arm due to pain and stiffness in the elbow joint.
Pain Management Interventions
Local Injections
Steroid and local anaesthetic agent can be injected to help reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
PRP Injection
Platelet rich plasma therapy
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Addressing tennis elbow typically involves a combination of conservative measures and medical interventions to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Key treatment options include:
Rest And Activity Modification
Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms and allow the affected arm to rest.
Ice Therapy
Apply ice packs to the affected area several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Perform specific exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and tendons, improving flexibility and reducing strain. Ultrasound can also be used to help decrease pain.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
Do's for Tennis Elbow
- Rest the affected arm and avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
- Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Perform gentle stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by a physical therapist.
Don'ts for Tennis Elbow
- Engage in repetitive activities without proper warm-up or technique adjustments.
Dr. Anushka Patel - Tennis Elbow Pain Management
There are several benefits to consulting with a pain management specialist. It is typical to concentrate on the affected area when a patient is in pain. Still, it’s also critical to understand the patient’s medical history, way of life, and eating and sleeping habits, in addition to the symptoms and underlying causes. Because of her training and experience, Dr. Anushka can determine the underlying source of the problem. With a correct diagnosis, she has a good prognosis for you to look forward to. Dr. Anushka is a highly sought-after pain management specialist because she places a high importance on the care provided during and after surgery or therapy.
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