Introduction to Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury of the forearm caused by repetitive movements of the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles. It is most commonly seen in tennis players but can also occur in other activities such as golf, weightlifting, carpentry, and painting. Tennis elbow is especially common in people between 30 and 50 years of age.
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What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles in the forearm and wrist. The most common cause is a repetitive motion such as hitting a tennis ball or swinging a golf club. However, it can also be caused by gripping items tightly such as tools or paintbrushes.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain around the outside of the elbow. The pain may be sharp, burning, or throbbing. Other symptoms include weakness in the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles, tenderness in the area, and stiffness of the joints.
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
If you experience any of the symptoms of tennis elbow, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly order imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Treatment for tennis elbow typically involves rest, icing, and physical therapy. The goal of physical therapy is to strengthen the muscles in the forearm and wrist to reduce pain and stress on the elbow joint. Other treatments include NSAID medications, corticosteroid injections, and surgery.
What Happens to Untreated Tennis Elbow?
If left untreated, tennis elbow can become a chronic condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the elbow, wrist, and hand. The pain can become more intense and can interfere with daily activities. Over time, the condition can lead to further damage to the elbow joint.
Effects of Untreated Tennis Elbow
The effects of untreated tennis elbow can include:
- Pain: The pain associated with tennis elbow can become more intense and last longer if left untreated. It can interfere with daily activities and cause difficulty sleeping.
- Weakness: Without treatment, the muscles in the forearm, wrist, and hand can become weaker, which can lead to difficulty performing activities involving those muscles.
- Stiffness: The elbow joint can become stiffer without treatment, making it difficult to move the arm or wrist.
- Limited Mobility: Over time, untreated tennis elbow can lead to limited mobility of the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Risk Factors for Untreated Tennis Elbow
The risk factors for untreated tennis elbow include:
- Age: People between 30 and 50 years of age are more at risk for developing tennis elbow.
- Repetitive Movements: People who participate in activities that involve repetitive motions such as tennis, golf, weightlifting, carpentry, and painting are more likely to develop tennis elbow.
- Gripping: People who frequently grip items tightly, such as tools or paintbrushes, are more likely to develop tennis elbow.
Prevention of Untreated Tennis Elbow
The best way to prevent untreated tennis elbow is to take steps to reduce the risk factors for developing the condition. This includes:
- Rest: If you participate in activities that involve repetitive motions or gripping, take frequent breaks to give your muscles a rest.
- Stretching: Before engaging in activities that involve repetitive motions or gripping, take the time to stretch your forearm, wrist, and hand muscles.
- Proper Technique: Make sure you are using proper technique when engaging in activities that involve repetitive motions or gripping.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of the symptoms of tennis elbow, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can reduce the risk of developing chronic pain and dysfunction in the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury of the forearm caused by repetitive motions or gripping. If left untreated, it can become a chronic condition that causes pain, weakness, stiffness, and limited mobility. The best way to prevent untreated tennis elbow is to take steps to reduce the risk factors for developing the condition. If you experience any of the symptoms of tennis elbow, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.