Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Repetitive arm movements can cause your forearm muscles to get fatigued. A single tendon attaches this muscle to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle). As your muscle gets tired, the tendon takes more of the load. This overloading can cause inflammation and pain, known as tendinitis. Over time, this overloading can cause a degenerative condition known as tendinosis. Together tendinitis and tendinosis can then lead to tendon tearing.
Symptoms of tennis elbow
Burning or pain on your outer elbow that may travel to your wrist (these sensations may get worse at night).
Pain when twisting or bending your arm (for instance, to turn a doorknob or open a jar).
Stiffness or pain when extending your arm.
Swollen elbow joint that’s tender to touch.
Weakened grip when you try to hold items like a racquet, wrench, pen or someone’s hand.
Management/ Treatment of Tennis elbow
Conservative Management:
Off-load the part with Brace. Pain might flare up in episodes, hence it is necessary to wear the brace during the day (or during activities) and remove it at night.
Oral or topical Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, including ibuprofen to ease pain and inflammation.
Therapeutic Ultrasound can has great outcome by reducing inflammation. At PhysioGenics in St Johns Wood London, we provide ultrasound treatment for tennis elbow pain.
Once the pain is manageable, exercises to strength the weak tendon is the priority.
Exercises
Forearm extensor stretch
Dumbbell Hammer Curls
Dumbbell Wrist curls
Dumbbell Wrist extension
Grip strength
Concentric/Eccentric wrist curls
Chronic Pain Management:
Steroid injections: If the conservative pain management does not resolve the pain in 8-12 weeks based on the severity then injectable corticosteroids are considered that may relieve joint pain and inflammation.
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