What is Tennis Elbow and How Can It Be Treated?

What is Tennis Elbow?

I’ve been playing tennis for over 20 years and had it two times and I can tell you that it is horrible. You can’t sleep, you can’t think and the worst is that you can’t play tennis.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation around the outside of the elbow. It is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons and muscles in the forearm become strained from repetitive motions, such as swinging a tennis racket.

The pain is usually felt on the outside of the elbow, but can also extend down the forearm and into the wrist.

Tennis elbow is most common in people who play racquet sports, such as tennis, badminton, and squash. However, it can also affect people who don’t play these sports, such as carpenters, plumbers, and other manual laborers who use their arms and wrists in repetitive motions. It is also more common in people aged 30 to 50.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the elbow. The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. This pain may be felt when lifting or bending the arm, or when gripping an object. Other symptoms may include pain when extending the wrist, a weak grip, and a burning sensation in the forearm. In some cases, the pain may radiate down the forearm and into the wrist and hand.

Pain is the primary symptom of tennis elbow and is usually felt on the outside of the elbow. It may be a dull ache or a sharp, burning sensation. The pain may be worse when the arm is moved or when gripping an object.

A Weak Grip is another common symptom of a tennis arm.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury caused by repetitive motions of the forearm, wrist, and hand. It is most commonly seen in athletes who play racquet sports, such as tennis, but it can also affect other athletes, such as golfers and baseball players. It can also be caused by activities that involve repetitive gripping, such as painting, plumbing, or carpentry. The primary cause of tennis elbow is the repetitive strain placed on the tendons and muscles of the forearm, which can lead to inflammation, pain, and tenderness. Poor technique or using improper equipment can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed by a physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will ask you to move your arm and elbow in different directions to check for pain. He or she may also press on the area around your elbow to check for tenderness. Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI to rule out other conditions that could be causing your pain. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a nerve conduction study to check for nerve damage. If your doctor suspects that your pain is caused by tennis elbow, he or she may refer you to a physical therapist for further evaluation. The therapist can help you determine the best course of treatment for your condition.

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Treating tennis elbow usually involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and medication. It is important to take a break from activities that cause pain and give the injured area time to heal. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the elbow and reduce inflammation. Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, steroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation. Surgery may be necessary for particularly severe cases of tennis elbow.

How long does Tennis Elbow last?

The duration of tennis elbow can vary widely depending on a number of factors. In general, mild cases of tennis elbow can resolve on their own within a few weeks or months with proper rest and conservative treatment. However, more severe cases may take longer to heal, and may require more aggressive treatment options.

Factors that Affect Recovery Time

Several factors can affect the recovery time for tennis elbow, including:

Age

Older individuals may take longer to recover from tennis elbow due to decreased muscle and tendon flexibility and decreased healing ability.

Severity of the injury

The severity of the injury can also impact recovery time. Minor cases of tennis elbow may only take a few weeks to heal, while more severe cases can take several months or even a year to fully recover.

Treatment options

The type of treatment you receive can also impact your recovery time. Conservative treatments like rest, ice, and physical therapy may take longer to heal, but they are less invasive and have fewer risks than surgical options.

What to Expect During Recovery

During recovery from tennis elbow, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for rest, activity modification, and physical therapy. You may need to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms and gradually reintroduce them as you heal.

You may also experience some discomfort or stiffness during recovery, but this should gradually improve as your muscles and tendons heal. If you experience severe or persistent pain or swelling, be sure to contact your doctor.

Preventing Tennis Elbow

The best way to prevent tennis elbow is to take steps to reduce your risk of overuse injuries. This can include:

• Using proper technique during activities that involve repetitive arm movements
• Using equipment that is properly fitted and designed for your activity
• Taking breaks and stretching regularly during activity
• Gradually increasing the intensity or duration of activity to avoid sudden increases in stress on the muscles and tendons.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with proper treatment and care, most people are able to make a full recovery. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, be sure to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.