Tennis elbow is one of several overuse injuries that can
affect your elbow. Other similar conditions include golfer's elbow and Little
League elbow — but they involve a different part of your elbow.
The pain of tennis elbow occurs primarily where the
tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony prominence on the outside of
your elbow (lateral epicondyle). Pain can also spread (radiate) into your
forearm and wrist. Another name for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis.
The bony spot where pain occurs is near the lower end of the humerus, the bone
that connects your shoulder to your forearm at the elbow.
By contrast, both the pain of golfer's elbow and the
pain of Little League elbow occur at the bony prominence on the inside of your
elbow (medial epicondyle). These conditions also go by the name medial
epicondylitis.
Although playing tennis is one cause of tennis elbow,
many other common activities can cause the condition. Treatments commonly
involve rest and use of anti-inflammatory medications. Rarely, surgery is an
option.
Signs and symptoms of tennis elbow
Pain that radiates from the outside of your elbow
into your forearm and wrist
Pain when you touch or bump the outside of your elbow
A weak grip
A painful grip, such as when you shake hands or grip
a doorknob
Pain when you straighten or extend your wrist or hand
Pain in your elbow when lifting something heavy
Pain during repetitive movements of your wrist
Sometimes, you may feel pain even when you aren't moving
your arm.
What are the causes of Tennis Elbow ?
Often tennis elbow is caused by repeated strain on the
muscles of the forearm that extend the wrist and fingers. Activities such as
playing tennis, golf, or repeated twisting or extension of the wrist during work
or hobby activities, may strain these muscles.
In rare instances, a direct blow to the elbow may cause this condition.
The inflammation comes on without any definite cause, and this may be due to an
arthritis, rheumatism or gout.
Other causes may include a pinched nerve in the neck,
referred pain from a shoulder problem, or pressure on the radial nerve in the
region of the elbow which is called radial tunnel syndrome.
Furthermore, quite a wide
range of common arm motions can result in tennis elbow. These activities may
include:
Using a screwdriver
Painting
Carrying heavy weights, such as a suitcase
Motions used in gardening, such as pulling weeds
Knitting
Typing
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Examination of the effected elbow will usually reveal
tenderness and discomfort when pressure is applied to this area.
X-ray may help to determine the problem.
The doctor may also examine your neck, as this may be the cause, or part of the
problem.
Treatment
Initial treatment of tennis elbow usually involves
self-care steps including rest, icing the area and use of acetaminophen or
over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications. If those steps don't help
and you still have pain and limited motion after a week or so, your doctor may
suggest other steps. These may include:
Analyzing your arm motions. Your doctor may
suggest that experts evaluate your tennis technique or job tasks to determine
the best steps to reduce stress on your injured tissue. This may mean going to
a two-handed backhand in tennis or taking ergonomic steps at work to ensure
that the way you use your wrist and forearm doesn't continue to contribute to
your symptoms.
Prescription medications. If your use of OTC
medications hasn't reduced pain and inflammation, your doctor may prescribe
stronger medications for a short period of time.
Exercises. Your doctor — or physical therapist
to whom you've been referred by your doctor — may suggest exercises to
gradually stretch and strengthen your muscles, especially the muscles of your
forearm. Once you've learned these exercises, you can do them at home or at
work. Your doctor may also suggest you wear straps or braces to reduce stress
on the injured tissue.
Magnetic Therapy. The application of static
high strength magnets at the point of pain will reduce inflammation, swelling
and therefore pain. Magnets should be worn over a 3-4 weeks period.
Corticosteroids. If your pain is severe and
persistent, your doctor may suggest an injection of a corticosteroid
medication. Corticosteroids are drugs that help to reduce pain, swelling and
inflammation. Injectable corticosteroids rarely cause serious side effects,
although they may temporarily raise blood sugar levels in people with
diabetes. Your doctor may also suggest use of topical corticosteroids for pain
relief. These corticosteroids are absorbed through your skin.
Surgery.If other approaches haven't relieved
your pain, if you've been faithful with your rehabilitation program and given
it enough time, and if the activity of your arm is still restricted, your
doctor may suggest surgery. You'll be able to have the surgery done on an
outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. Surgery involves
either trimming the inflamed tendon, or surgically releasing and then
re-attaching the tendon to relieve pain.
Prevention of tennis elbow:
Lift objects with your palm facing the body.
Practice strengthening exercises with hand weights.
Acupuncture is also known to reduce pain of tennis
elbow.
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