Tennis Elbow

Introduction: Background

Tennis elbow is a form of tendinosis, which means that there is swelling and tenderness around the small bony part of your elbow, which is known as the “lateral epicondyle.” The tendons around the elbow are designed to give the human body an extension reach of the wrist and fingers. Tendon damage or tendinosis is common in the elbow joint area and causes an internal fluid to leak out. If not properly cared for, this condition can form scar tissues, cause severe pain, and limits the movement of the joints.

Causes:

Tennis elbow develops when the muscles and tendons of the forearm and the elbow joint is strenuously overused. This condition occurs more prevalently in men and women, between the ages of 30 to 60. Tennis players of all levels, like top champions - Roger Federer and Rafeal Nadal have experienced this condition, as has tennis players for years, which is the origin of the name. It is believed to be caused by the continued hitting of tennis balls, back and forth, up and down, causing tiny tears in the forearm tendon that is attached at the elbow. However, anyone can develop tennis elbow, especially if you are involved in other sports that involves throwing and moving constantly, like golf and swimming. Everyday activities can also cause tennis elbow, like typing, gardening, plumbing, constructions, etc.

Symptoms:

The first symptom of tennis elbow, naturally, is pain, which can last up to 12 weeks. This pain is felt on the outside of your upper forearm and down your arm towards the wrist. Tennis elbow pain can be felt when you bend, lift, or turn your forearm and elbow, especially in simple activated like writing, knitting or turning a door handle.

Treatment:

Tennis elbow is treatable and will heal naturally if you give it a helping hand, such as icing the elbow every couple of hours for several days, until the pain is gone. Additional treatment aids, include:

 

• physical therapy.

• motion exercises to keep the muscles and tendons flexible and strengthened.

• anti-inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen or aspirin.

• medical help with painkillers or steroids to help ease swelling and pain.

• elbow strap to protect the damaged tenons.

 

Overall, 90% to 95% of people with tennis elbow will improve and recover. However, if these techniques do not work, and your doctor detects a more serious case of tennis elbow, then they will probably suggest surgery, which requires the removal or repairing of damaged tendons.