What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and soreness in the forearm, elbow, and upper arm area. It is caused by repetitive motions and activities, such as tennis strokes and sports that involve the use of a racquet. It can also be caused by activities that involve gripping and lifting, such as gardening, painting, or carpentry. The condition usually occurs in people between the ages of 35 and 50, although it can affect people of any age.
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is characterized by pain in the forearm, elbow, and upper arm area. The pain may be sharp and stabbing or it may be a dull, aching pain. It can come on suddenly or it may develop gradually over time. Other common symptoms include:
- Weakness in the forearm and hand
- Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting
- Pain that radiates up the arm or down the wrist
- A burning sensation in the forearm
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
To diagnose tennis elbow, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination, which may include pressing on the elbow and forearm to check for tenderness. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, may also be used to rule out other conditions.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive motions and activities that place stress on the tendons and muscles of the forearm, elbow, and upper arm. These activities can include:
- Playing tennis, racquetball, or other racquet sports
- Gardening, painting, or carpentry
- Heavy lifting or gripping motions
- Throwing or pitching sports, such as baseball or softball
Tennis elbow can also be caused by age-related wear and tear on the tendons and muscles.
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is usually treated with a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medications. Your doctor may also recommend injections, braces, or surgery if the condition does not respond to other treatments.
Rest
Rest is one of the most important treatments for tennis elbow. Your doctor may recommend that you take a break from activities that involve repetitive motions or gripping motions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the forearm, elbow, and upper arm. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises to help improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help relieve pain and inflammation. They may also prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), if the condition does not respond to other treatments.
Injections
Your doctor may recommend injections, such as corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Braces
Your doctor may recommend wearing a brace to help reduce stress on the elbow and forearm.
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery if other treatments do not work. The most common type of surgery for tennis elbow is called an arthroscopic debridement. This procedure involves making small incisions in the elbow and removing damaged tissue.
Preventing Tennis Elbow
To prevent tennis elbow, it is important to take steps to avoid activities that can cause the condition. These steps can include:
- Stretching and warming up before activities
- Using proper form and technique when doing activities
- Using the right equipment for activities
- Taking frequent breaks from activities
- Avoiding activities that involve repetitive motions or gripping motions
When to See a Doctor
If you have pain or soreness in your forearm, elbow, or upper arm area, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment for you.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and soreness in the forearm, elbow, and upper arm area. It is caused by repetitive motions and activities, such as playing tennis or sports that involve the use of a racquet. Treatment for tennis elbow includes rest, physical therapy, medications, injections, braces, and surgery. To prevent tennis elbow, it is important to take steps to avoid activities that can cause the condition, such as stretching and warming up before activities, using proper form and technique when doing activities, and using the right equipment for activities. If you have pain or soreness in your forearm, elbow, or upper arm area, it is important to see a doctor.