Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow. It is typically a repeated strain injury. Repetitive strain injuries occur when you repeatedly use a part of your body to perform the same activity, causing tissue damage. Tennis elbow derives its name from the fact that it is a prevalent sports injury among tennis players and other racket sports participants. It occurs when you overuse the tendon that joins your forearm muscles to your elbow (extensor muscle tendon).

Tennis elbow is referred to medically as lateral epicondylitis. Epicondylitis is inflammation of the extensor muscle tendon. Lateral epicondylitis refers to inflammation on the lateral side—the outside edge when you hold your arms at your sides, palms facing forward, in the same direction as your eyes.

Symptoms

• The most common tennis elbow symptoms are:
• Elbow pain (particularly on the outside of your elbow—the side farthest from the center of your body when your arms are at your sides, palms facing forward).
• Stiffness.
• Swelling.
• A weakened grip (especially when youre trying to hold something like a racket, pen, or shake someones hand).

Causes

Tennis elbow can be caused by any repetitive motion or activity. Extra stress from repetitive actions accumulates over time. Eventually, the increased use and tension on your extensor muscle tendon generates microscopic rips (microtrauma). Microtraumas create palpable and noticeable symptoms. Tennis elbow can also be caused by a sudden arm or elbow injury; however, this is less common.

Risk factors

Tennis elbow can affect everyone; however, some people are at a higher risk, such as those who:

• Lift at least 45 pounds (22 kilos) on a regular basis.
• Are older than 40.
• Smoke.
• Have obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher).

Athletes that perform sports that place stress on their arms or elbows, including:

• Tennis (and other racket sports like squash, pickleball, or racquetball).
• Baseball.
• Softball.
• Bowling.
• Golf.
• Weight lifting.

Diagnosis

Tennis elbow will be diagnosed by a healthcare expert after a physical exam and several testing. They will check your injured elbow and inquire about your symptoms. Tell your doctor when you first felt pain, stiffness, or other symptoms, and whether any activities made them worse (or better). Your provider may employ the following tests to check for damage inside your arm and photograph your elbow:

• Elbow X-ray.
• Ultrasound.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Electromyography (EMG).

Treatment

Your provider will recommend treatments to help your tendon heal. The RICE method is typically the best way to treat tennis elbow.

• Rest: Take a break from whatever activity caused your tennis elbow. Try not to use your elbow while it heals.
• Ice: Use a cold compress or ice pack on your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times per day. Wrap ice packs in a towel or thin cloth to keep them from touching your skin directly.
• Compression: Place a compression bandage around your elbow. Your provider can demonstrate how to safely apply the compression bandage.
• Elevation: Keep your elbow above the level of your heart as much as possible.

Other nonsurgical (conservative) therapies for tennis elbow include over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, physical therapy, brace wear, platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, tenotomy, and shockwave therapy.

Prevention

The most effective way to avoid tennis elbow is to avoid overusing your arm and elbow. During sports and other physical activities:

• Wear appropriate protective equipment for any work, sport, or hobby.
• Avoid playing through pain during and after physical activity.
• Allow your body to rest and recover after intense activity.
• Stretch and warm up before engaging in physical activity.
• After exercise, cool down and stretch.
• Perform sport-specific exercises or exercises that help you stay healthy for your sports, hobbies, or job.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow is a condition that affects anyone who frequently moves their wrists and arms. Tennis elbow can be painful and unpleasant, but the majority of cases can be effectively treated with rest, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. If symptoms persist or worsen, see a doctor to consider alternative therapy choices. With proper care and attention, most people can recover from tennis elbow and resume their normal activities without pain. Visit SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals to learn more.