Tennis Elbow
Lateral Epicondylitis, also commonly known as Tennis elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the forearm in the elbow region.
It is a common condition, an injury to the tendons that join the forearm muscles (the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) to the outside of the elbow. This condition occurs when there is an inflammation or microtear in these tendons.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- In general, the pain associated with the tennis elbow comes on gradually. The pain occurs slowly with a gradual build-up of pressure in the tendon and forearm muscles.
- It starts as a mild recurring pain in the outer elbow area that develops to cause discomfort and weakness when moving the forearm. The pain worsens with lifting or bending the arm. You will also experience pain or weakness while gripping or lifting things.
- If you leave it unchecked, the pain will radiate down to the wrist and start hurting even at rest. You may even find it hard to do simple things like using your mobile phone or opening the door without experiencing pain.
- Tennis elbow can also be due to acute injury, in which the area around the elbow swells up along with pain immediately after a sudden injury.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
- Playing racquet sports like tennis, squash and badminton
- Sports that involve full arm extension and throwing (overarm throwing)
- Lifting weights frequently
- Activities that involve frequent bending of the elbow
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements in activities like typing
- Occupations involving repetitive hand grasping like bricklaying
- Regular use of hand tools in occupations such as painting
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
Diagnosis of tennis elbow begins with history taking and a thorough physical examination of your elbow for swelling and tenderness. Your doctor will bend and move your arms, elbow and wrist to find if the pain relates to your symptoms.
In addition, the doctor may suggest imaging tests like ultrasound scanning to confirm the diagnosis. These tests also help diagnose the severity of the tendon and muscle damage around your elbow.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
- Medication:- You can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain by taking painkillers and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). Besides, there are several topical NSAIDs as sprays, gels and creams that you can apply over the affected area to relieve pain faster. Then there are also cortisone or platelet-rich plasma injections to ease the pain. Dry needling is also helpful. With medication, your doctor may also suggest you wear a tennis elbow strap for a short time. You have to wear it over the forearm just below the elbow to clamp and reduce the tension on the damaged tendon.
- Physical Therapy:-Physical therapy involves exercises like stretches to improve the strength and flexibility of the forearm muscles and tendons. These therapies also improve blood circulation for faster healing. Wrist extension, towel twist and finger stretch are some basic exercises that improve tennis elbow. Massage also reduces inflammation and eases the pain.
- Shock Wave Therapy:-Shock Wave therapy is an effective treatment that shows good results for many. It involves giving high-energy shockwaves in the affected area near the elbow to relieve inflammation and restore movements. However, it causes minor side effects such as bruising and reddening of the skin. Some may also experience nausea.
- Surgery:- If none of the above treatments helps, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery for tendon repair can include removal of the damaged tendon linings. A few days after surgery, your doctor will suggest physiotherapy to regain strength and movement.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Medication
You can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain by taking painkillers and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). Besides, there are several topical NSAIDs as sprays, gels and creams that you can apply over the affected area to relieve pain faster. Then there are also cortisone or platelet-rich plasma injections to ease the pain. Dry needling is also helpful. With medication, your doctor may also suggest you wear a tennis elbow strap for a short time. You have to wear it over the forearm just below the elbow to clamp and reduce the tension on the damaged tendon.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises like stretches to improve the strength and flexibility of the forearm muscles and tendons. These therapies also improve blood circulation for faster healing. Wrist extension, towel twist and finger stretch are some basic exercises that improve tennis elbow. Massage also reduces inflammation and eases the pain.
Shock Wave Therapy
Shock Wave therapy is an effective treatment that shows good results for many. It involves giving high-energy shockwaves in the affected area near the elbow to relieve inflammation and restore movements. However, it causes minor side effects such as bruising and reddening of the skin. Some may also experience nausea.
Surgery
If none of the above treatments helps, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery for tendon repair can include removal of the damaged tendon linings. A few days after surgery, your doctor will suggest physiotherapy to regain strength and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Our Treatments
Cortisone Injections
A Cortisone Injection (termed steroid injection in the UK) is an anti inflammatory injection for the joints or body tissue to relieve pain.
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Prolotherapy
A regenerative treatment for chronic painful joints and ligaments which involves the injection of a specially formulated solution into damaged tissue.
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Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP treatment can reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication or strong painkillers with unwanted side effects
Read MoreFor an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan
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