What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain in the outside of the elbow and arm. It is caused by damage or overuse of the tendons that attach the muscles of the forearm to the bone in the elbow. It is most common in people who play racquet sports such as tennis, but it can also affect people who do other activities such as painting, typing, or using a computer mouse.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain in the outside of the elbow, but it can also cause a burning sensation, tenderness, and weakness of the forearm and wrist. This pain can range from mild to severe and can last for several weeks or even longer.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive motions such as those used in racquet sports. Other activities that can lead to tennis elbow include painting, typing, using a computer mouse, and lifting heavy objects.
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities that you do. He or she may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to look for any damage to the elbow or surrounding tissue.
What are the Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow?
There are several treatment options for tennis elbow, including:
Rest and Ice
Resting the elbow is essential for healing, and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles of the arm and shoulder. Your physical therapist may also teach you exercises to help improve flexibility and range of motion.
Bracing
Wearing an elbow brace or support can help reduce pain and stress on the affected area.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendon. This is usually only recommended if other treatments have not been successful.
How Can You Prevent Tennis Elbow?
The best way to prevent tennis elbow is to avoid activities that put strain on the elbow and arm. If you are involved in activities that can lead to tennis elbow, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Before engaging in any activity, it is important to warm up the muscles in your arm and shoulder. Afterward, it is important to stretch and cool down the muscles to reduce any inflammation.
Use Proper Technique
Using proper technique when engaging in activities can help reduce strain on the elbow and arm. Learning the correct form and using proper equipment can help prevent tennis elbow.
Rest and Recovery
Resting in between activities is important for preventing tennis elbow. Giving your body time to recover between activities can help reduce the risk of injury.
Strengthen Your Arm and Shoulder
Strengthening the muscles of the arm and shoulder can help reduce the risk of injury. Exercises such as bicep curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder presses can help build strength and reduce the risk of injury.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing pain in the outside of your elbow and arm that does not go away with rest and home remedies, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose and treat the condition to help reduce pain and get you back to your activities.
Tennis elbow is a common condition caused by overuse or damage to the tendons in the elbow. Symptoms include pain, burning, tenderness, and weakness of the forearm and wrist. Treatment options include rest and ice, medication, physical therapy, bracing, and surgery. To prevent tennis elbow, it is important to warm up and cool down, use proper technique, rest and recover, and strengthen the arm and shoulder. If you are experiencing pain that does not go away with home remedies, you should see your doctor.