Understanding & treating Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common and painful condition that affects not only tennis players but also individuals engaged in repetitive arm movements. Despite its name, tennis elbow can impact anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles, leading to inflammation and discomfort. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options for tennis elbow, empowering you with the knowledge to manage and overcome this condition.

Causes and Symptoms

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons in your forearm become inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse of the wrist and arm muscles. Common causes include playing tennis, excessive typing, painting, or repetitive lifting. The symptoms of tennis elbow typically include:

• Pain or burning sensation on the outer part of the elbow

• Weak grip strength

• Difficulty in holding objects

• Pain worsening with forearm activity

Preventing Tennis Elbow:

1. Proper Technique:

• Learn Proper Techniques: Whether you're playing tennis or typing, ensuring you use correct techniques can significantly reduce strain on your forearm muscles.

2. Strengthening Exercises:

• Forearm Strengthening: Incorporate forearm strengthening exercises into your fitness routine to build muscle strength and resilience.

3. Warm-Up and Stretching:

• Warm-Up: Always warm up your arm muscles before engaging in activities that stress your forearms.

• Stretching: Perform regular forearm stretches to enhance flexibility and prevent muscle tightness.

4. Equipment Check:

• Racket and Tools: Ensure your tennis racket or any tools you use regularly are properly sized and suited to your grip and strength.

5. Rest and Recovery:

• Rest Periods: Allow adequate rest between repetitive activities to give your forearm muscles time to recover.

• Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your elbow for 15-20 minutes after activities to reduce inflammation.

Treating Tennis Elbow:

1. Rest and Activity Modification:

• Rest: Give your forearm muscles a break by avoiding activities that worsen the pain.

• Modify Activities: Modify your grip and technique in activities that contribute to the pain.

2. Physical Therapy:

• Professional Guidance: Consult a physical therapist who can guide you through targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen and heal the affected muscles.

3. Braces and Supports:

• Elbow Braces: Consider wearing an elbow brace or support band to reduce strain on the tendons.

4. Medications and Injections:

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

• Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases, a healthcare professional might recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

5. Surgery (In Extreme Cases):

• Surgical Intervention: In rare cases when conservative treatments fail, surgical options like tendon repair might be considered.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

• Gradual Return to Activities: Once your symptoms improve, reintroduce activities gradually, focusing on proper techniques and listening to your body.

• Maintenance Exercises: Continue with forearm strengthening and stretching exercises to maintain muscle health and prevent recurrence.

Tennis elbow can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is manageable and often fully treatable. By understanding the causes, taking preventive measures, and seeking appropriate treatment, you can overcome tennis elbow and return to your daily activities with confidence. Remember, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. With patience, proper care, and a focus on prevention, you can conquer tennis elbow and get back to doing what you love.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us near Essex Rd in Angel Islington.

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References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tennis-elbow/

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/