Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a very common injury that results from overuse, injury, or strain of the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the bony part of the outside of the elbow.
Called "tennis elbow" because tennis players are prone to getting it (50% of tennis players may have this condition), this medical condition is not limited to tennis players. Tennis elbow can occur with any activity that involves repetitive gripping, turning, bending, or extending the wrist backwards.
Tennis elbow mainly affects people between 30 and 50 years of age, but people of any age can be affected.
Tennis elbow is caused by overuse, strain, or injury to the lateral epicondyle, which is a tendon that attaches to the bone on the outside of the elbow. This tendon is attached to the muscle that bends the hand backwards from the wrist. This results in microscopic tears in the tendon, causing inflammation and pain in the tendon. This is more likely to develop with weak shoulder and wrist muscles.
Tennis elbow can be caused by any repetitive movements that involve bending the wrist in a turning or backwards motion (e.g., tennis, painting, hammering, using a screwdriver). Pain often comes on gradually but may be sudden such as after lifting a very heavy object. In some cases, no specific cause can be found.
Tennis players are more likely to develop tennis elbow if they have improper technique, have weak shoulder and forearm muscles, frequently hit heavy wet tennis balls, or are using an inappropriate racquet handle size or racquet weight.
More than 90% of people respond to conservative treatment. Very few people require surgery for tennis elbow.
Conservative or non-surgical treatment for tennis elbow involves:
Although doctors have traditionally used ice and anti-inflammatory medications to treat this condition, newer information suggests that these treatments may not be useful. However, NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, may be able to reduce pain and improve function in the short-term (first 4 weeks). Ultrasound and laser treatments also seem to be of questionable benefit.
Your physician may recommend a steroid injection to relieve pain. The injection provides relief for up to 3 months and is seldom used more than 2 or 3 times per year.
Once pain has stopped or improved, physiotherapy exercises will stretch tightened muscles and strengthen the tendon and muscles in the forearm. Massage may also help.
Some chiropractic techniques, such as manipulation, mobilization, and full kinetic chain therapy with exercise may help recovery and decrease pain associated with tennis elbow.
If conservative treatments have not worked after 6 to 12 months, surgery may be recommended. Surgery removes scar and degenerative tissue from the tendons and is about 85% effective for relieving the pain.
Recurrence of tennis elbow can be prevented by using braces to support the wrist, changing technique or equipment, or modifying jobs and activities if possible. Warming up before engaging in sporting activities will help prevent problems, too. Gently stretch the forearm and wrist before performing any sport or activity that can cause or aggravate tennis elbow.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Tennis-Elbow
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