What is tennis elbow?
Tendonitis of the elbow is often referred to as tennis elbow due
to its common occurrence in tennis players, but in fact any sport
or activity that requires gripping can cause this problem.
A more precise definition of Tennis elbow is that it is an
inflammation of several structures of the elbow. These include
muscles, tendons, bursa, periosteum, and epicondyle (bony
projections on the outside and inside of the elbow, where muscles
of the forearm attach to the bone of the upper arm). This
condition is also called epicondylitis, lateral epicondylitis,
medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, where pain is present at
the inside epicondyle. Such pain is usually more noticeable during
or after stressful use of the arm. In sever cases, lifting and
grasping even light things may be very painful.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when their is damage to the muscles, tendons
and ligaments around the elbow joint and forearm. Small tears,
called micro tears, form in the tendons and muscles which control
the movement of the forearm. They cause a restriction of movement,
inflammation and pain. These micro tears eventually lead to the
formation of scar tissue and calcium deposits.
If untreated,
this scar tissue and calcium deposits can put so much pressure on
the muscles and nerves that they can cut off the blood flow and
pinch the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles in the
forearm. Often this happens during a backhand stroke in racket
sports, especially if the stroke technique is poor. Another cause
is overuse of the muscles in a repetitive way. Examples of this
are prolonged use of a screwdriver or typing.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Individuals experiencing tennis elbow may complain of pain and
tenderness over either of the two epicondyles. This pain increases
with gripping or rotation of the wrist and forearm. If the
condition becomes long-standing and chronic, a decrease in grip
strength can develop.
However, pain is the most common and obvious symptom associated
with tennis elbow, and is most often experienced on the outside of
the upper forearm, but can also be experienced anywhere from the
elbow joint to the wrist.
Weakness, stiffness and a general restriction of movement are also
quite common in sufferers of tennis elbow. Even tingling and
numbness can be experienced.
Treatment Tennis Elbow:
Treatment may include stopping or limiting activities that cause
the pain, such as heavy lifting with the palm facing down.
Sometimes a band wrapped around the forearm near the elbow is used
to protect the injured muscles as they are healing. In some cases,
the wearing of a wrist splint may be recommended for the same
purpose.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen
or ibuprofen may be given for pain. Injections of cortisone may
also be used to relieve the pain. A tennis elbow band may be
advised.
In severe or long-lasting episodes, an injection of medication
into the area may relieve the discomfort. Your hand surgeon may
recommend exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles to
help prevent the condition from returning. Some patients respond
to additional treatment through therapy. As the condition
improves, there is usually a slow return to normal activities.
Recurrence of this condition is common.
If no surgical forms of treatment do not eliminate the pain of
this condition, surgery may be recommended. Your hand surgeon can
advise you on the surgical treatments for lateral epicondylitis
and the possible outcomes. Lateral epicondylitis is often a
nagging or chronic condition sometimes requiring many months for
healing to occur.
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