Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects the tendons in the elbow. Despite its name, it can occur in individuals who don’t play tennis. In this article, we will explore tennis elbow, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Understanding Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

• Tennis elbow is a condition characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow.
• It is typically caused by repetitive gripping and forearm movements.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

• Repetitive Activities: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive gripping, such as tennis, gardening, or manual labor, can strain the tendons.
• Age: Tennis elbow is more common in individuals aged 30 to 50.
• Improper Technique: Poor technique during sports or activities can contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain: The most common symptom is pain on the outer part of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
• Weakness: Weakness in the affected arm, making it difficult to grip or lift objects.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess the range of motion and pain levels in the elbow.
• Imaging: X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of the injury.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain.
• Physical Therapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the forearm and improve flexibility.
• Bracing: Wearing a brace or forearm strap to reduce strain on the tendons.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers or topical creams.

Surgical Treatment

• Tenotomy: In severe cases, a surgeon may perform a tenotomy, which involves cutting and removing the damaged tendon tissue.
• Tendon Repair: Surgery may be necessary to repair or reattach torn tendons.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

• Recovery from tennis elbow varies depending on the severity of the injury.
• Rehabilitation includes exercises to strengthen the forearm and improve grip strength.
• Gradual return to activities is essential to avoid re-injury.

Prevention

• Proper technique and equipment use in sports and activities can reduce the risk of tennis elbow.
• Stretching and warm-up exercises before engaging in repetitive activities can help prevent strain on the tendons.