What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury of the tendons and muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow. It is a common condition that affects athletes, especially those who overuse their elbow during activities such as tennis, golf, and weightlifting. Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and pain when gripping or squeezing objects.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe over 100 different conditions that affect the joints. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis, but can include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion.
Is Tennis Elbow Like Arthritis?
Tennis elbow and arthritis are two separate conditions, but they both cause pain and inflammation in the elbow area. Although the two conditions have similar symptoms, there are some key differences that make them distinct from each other.
Tennis Elbow vs Arthritis
- Cause – Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the elbow, while arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints.
- Location – Tennis elbow affects the muscles and tendons around the outside of the elbow, while arthritis can affect any joint in the body.
- Treatment – The treatment for tennis elbow typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy, while the treatment for arthritis may include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow and Arthritis
Accurately diagnosing tennis elbow and arthritis is important for developing a successful treatment plan. The diagnosis of both conditions typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays, and blood tests. During the physical examination, the doctor will look for tenderness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Imaging tests allow the doctor to look for any damage to the bones or soft tissues in the area. Blood tests can help the doctor determine if there is any inflammation present in the body.
Treating Tennis Elbow and Arthritis
The treatment of tennis elbow and arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s lifestyle. Treatment options for tennis elbow typically include rest, ice, physical therapy, and medications. Treatment for arthritis may include medications, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Preventing Tennis Elbow and Arthritis
Preventing tennis elbow and arthritis is important for maintaining long-term health and preventing further damage. To prevent tennis elbow, it is important to warm up and stretch before playing sports, use proper form when lifting weights, and use equipment that fits correctly. To prevent arthritis, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and avoid repetitive motions.
Living with Tennis Elbow and Arthritis
Living with tennis elbow and arthritis can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help you manage your condition. For tennis elbow, it is important to rest the elbow, avoid activities that aggravate the condition, and perform stretching and strengthening exercises. For arthritis, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and practice stress-relieving activities.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow and arthritis are two separate conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the elbow area. Although the two conditions have similar symptoms, they have distinct causes and treatments. Accurately diagnosing tennis elbow and arthritis is important for developing a successful treatment plan. Treatment options for both conditions include rest, medications, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy. Preventing tennis elbow and arthritis is important for maintaining long-term health and preventing further damage. Living with tennis elbow and arthritis can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help you manage your condition.
References
1. Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tennis-elbow#1
2. Arthritis – Symptoms and causes. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772
3. Tennis Elbow: Diagnosis and Treatment. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tennis-elbow-diagnosis-and-treatment#1
4. Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatment. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-diagnosis-and-treatment
5. How to Treat and Prevent Tennis Elbow. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-treat-and-prevent-tennis-elbow-2549264
6. How to Prevent Arthritis. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/preventing-arthritis
7. How to Live with Arthritis. (2020, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/living-with-osteoarthritis