Tennis Elbow

 

One of the most common syndromes of the elbow joint is the tennis elbow also called lateral epicondylitis. Extensor muscles of the forearm are affected in this injury. Tendons overloaded due to repetitive movement of wrist and arm. Pain occurs at a point where tendons make a link with a bony prominence on the elbow. Not only athletes but people who do repetitive movements in their job also develop the symptoms of tennis elbow such as plumbers, painters, carpenters, and butchers. 

What are the symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

• Pain and tenderness occur in the bony protuberance outside the elbow.
• The pain can radiate the upper and lower arm.
• An individual feels pain when he lifts the arm, writes something, and grips the small objects.
• The individual with this condition also feels burning or ache outside of the forearm.
• The patient's grip becomes weak with the worsening of the condition.

What are the causes of Tennis Elbow?

• Overusing the elbow muscle
• Repeated movements put stress on the tendons of the elbow joint.
• Straightening the wrist muscles.
• Repeated extension of hand and wrist.
• Sometimes the cause is not recognized and this condition becomes idiopathic.

What are the risk factors?

Following factors increase the risk of developing tennis elbow:

Age: 

People between 30 to 50 years of age are prone to this.

Occupation: 

 

Plumbers, carpenters, painters, cooks, and butchers have more risk of developing this condition because their work involves repetitive movements of the wrist and arm.

Sports:

 These types of sports increase the risk:

• Tennis
  
  
  
• Squash
  
  
  
• Racquetball
  
  
  
• Fencing
  
  
  
• Weightlifting
  
  
  

How tennis elbow is diagnosed?

The doctor will ask the questions to check the symptoms first. Then he goes for the physical exam, and during this exam, the doctor puts pressure on the affected area and requests tome elbow, wrist, and fingers. The doctor confirms the diagnosis with this physical exam, but if he doubts something else is causing the symptoms, he may suggest X-rays and other imaging tests.

Treatment of Tennis Elbow:

People get relief from this condition with rest. If this is not making any improvements, then the doctor suggests physiotherapy. More severe needs surgery.

Rest:

During resting, patients have to limit or stop playing sports and also stop participating in heavy work activities for several weeks. 

Physiotherapy of tennis elbow:

A physiotherapist suggests exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the forearm. Eccentric exercise is helpful in that condition. The physical therapist also performs the ultrasound, ice massage, and manipulation in the affected area. These techniques relieve the symptoms and improve the range of motion. 

Forearm Strap:

A forearm strap or brace is recommended by a physiotherapist. This strap is placed on the back of the forearm to protect the tendon from further strain. It relieves the symptoms by resting the muscles and tendons. 

Medicine:

Certain NSAIDs (Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, and naproxen are useful to deal with pain and swelling. These drugs should be used on the doctor's recommendation. 

Surgery:

When the condition becomes severe and is not improving after 6 to 12 months, then surgery is recommended to remove the damaged tissue.

What is the difference between a tennis elbow and a golfer's elbow?

Golfer's elbow is also called medial epicondylitis. The symptoms are similar to tennis elbow and are caused by repeated movements of the arm and wrist. The main difference is that the medial epicondyle is affected in the golfer's elbow, and the lateral epicondyle is affected in the tennis elbow. Hence it is called lateral epicondylitis.  

Conclusion:

This article covers the tennis elbow with exact details. We have discussed the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. If you have any questions or want to add some more information about tennis elbow, you can mention it in the comment box.