What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury of the elbow caused by repetitive motions in activities like playing tennis, but it can also be caused by other activities that involve repetitive motions of the arm, wrist, and hand. It is most common in adults ages 30 to 50, but it can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include pain when bending the wrist, gripping objects, or lifting.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is caused by the tendons in the elbow becoming inflamed due to repetitive motions. These motions can cause the tendons to become irritated and inflamed, leading to pain. The muscles in the forearm that control movement of the wrist and fingers can become weakened and strained due to these repetitive motions.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain in the outer part of the elbow. This pain can be mild to severe and can be felt when bending the wrist, gripping objects, or lifting. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain when extending the wrist
- Pain when turning the wrist
- Weakness in the forearm
- Tenderness in the elbow
- A burning sensation in the elbow
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
The diagnosis of tennis elbow is typically made through a physical examination and imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI. During the physical exam, the doctor will test the range of motion in your elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as check for any swelling or tenderness. Imaging tests will help the doctor to rule out any other conditions that may be causing the pain.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
The goal of treatment for tennis elbow is to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the muscles in the arm and wrist. Treatment options include:
- Rest: It is important to rest the elbow and avoid any activities that may cause pain.
- Ice: Applying an ice pack to the elbow several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you learn exercises to strengthen the muscles in your arm and wrist, as well as how to use proper form when performing activities.
- Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce swelling and pain.
Can Tennis Elbow be Cured?
Tennis elbow is usually a self-limiting condition, meaning that it will eventually go away on its own without any treatment. However, it can take several months for the pain and inflammation to subside. With proper treatment and rest, the pain and inflammation can be reduced, and the condition can improve.
Conservative Treatments
Conservative treatments such as rest, ice, NSAIDs, and physical therapy can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation and helping the condition to improve. It is important to follow any treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat tennis elbow. Surgery is usually only recommended if conservative treatments have not been successful. Surgery is usually done to remove any damaged tissue and to repair the tendons in the elbow.
Preventing Tennis Elbow
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent tennis elbow from occurring or recurring:
- Stretch: Make sure to stretch your arm and wrist before and after any activities that involve repetitive motions.
- Modify your activities: Avoid activities that involve repetitive motions or heavy lifting and use proper form when performing activities.
- Wear elbow braces: Wearing an elbow brace can help reduce the stress on your elbow and prevent tennis elbow from occurring or recurring.
- Take breaks: Take frequent breaks when engaging in activities that involve repetitive motions to give your elbow time to rest.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow can be a painful and debilitating condition, but it is usually self-limiting and can be treated with rest, ice, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Taking steps to prevent tennis elbow, such as stretching and using proper form, can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.