Summary

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons around the elbow are stressed, usually by repetitive extensor movements of the wrist.

Athletes aren’t the only ones who get tennis elbow. People whose jobs are characterized by labored wrist movements such as housewives, plumbers, carpenters, and butchers.

Tennis elbow pain primarily occurs when the attachment of the tendons of the forearm muscles, especially the extensor ones, becomes inflamed and a bony spur can form on the lateral part of the elbow. The pain can also spread to the forearm and wrist.

Rest and pain relievers often help relieve the severity of the condition. If conservative treatments do not help, surgery is suggested.

Symptoms

The pain may spread to the forearm and wrist. The pain and muscle weakness may make it difficult to shake hands or hold an object, turn a doorknob, or hold a cup of coffee.

When should you see a doctor:

If home care steps such as rest, ice, and use of pain relievers.

Causes

Tennis elbow is an injury caused by overuse and muscle strain. As the repeated contraction of the forearm muscles and excessive extension of the hand and wrist. Repetitive motions and stress on the tissues can lead to a series of small tears in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bone in the lateral part of the elbow.

As the name suggests, playing tennis – particularly the backhand – is one of the reasons. Many other common arm movements can also cause tennis elbow.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the chance of developing tennis elbow include:

• Age. Tennis elbow affects people of all ages. It’s most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

• Works. People who have jobs that depend on repetitive wrist and arm movements are more likely to develop tennis elbow.

• Certain sports. Participation in racquet sports increases the risk of developing tennis elbow.

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, the doctor applies pressure to the affected area or asks the patient to move the elbow, wrist, and fingers in different ways.

But if your doctor suspects that something else may be causing your symptoms, he or she may suggest X-rays or other types of imaging tests.

Treatment and management

Sometimes tennis elbow gets better on its own. If there is no improvement after several days and when visiting a doctor, he may suggest physical and physical therapy and local steroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery.

A physical therapist can teach the patient exercises to gradually stretch, stretch and strengthen the muscles, especially the forearm muscles. Slow exercises involve lowering the wrist very slowly after raising it. A forearm belt or brace may reduce pressure on the affected tissue.

Surgical or other procedures

• Injections. Your doctor may suggest PRP, Botox, or some form of irritant (prolotherapy) to the painful tendon.

• Ultrasound tenotomy (TENEX procedure). The doctor inserts a special needle through the skin into the damaged portion of the tendon. Ultrasound energy shakes the needle so rapidly that it liquefies the fibrous tissue.

• Surgery. If symptoms do not improve after three months of intensive nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be the solution. These types of surgeries can be performed through a large incision or several small incisions. Rehabilitation exercises are essential to recovery.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Doctors recommend the following self-care measures:

• Comforts. Avoid activities that aggravate elbow pain.

• Pain relievers. such as ibuprofen.

• Ice. Apply ice or a cold pack for 15 minutes three to four times a day.

• Technique. Use proper technique for activities and avoid repetitive wrist motions.