Tennis elbow is a condition that usually occurs in the outside of your elbow. It’s the result of inflammation to the tendons on the outside of the elbow. This blog post will discuss the condition, what causes it to happen, how you know if you have it, and some exercises that can help treat it!
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that results from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. This condition is seen most often in tennis players, hence the name. However, it can affect anyone who repetitively uses their forearm muscles, such as those who work in construction or manufacturing. Tennis elbow is characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, as well as weakness in the affected arm. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy.
What are the causes of tennis elbow?
One of the most common causes of tennis elbow is overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. This can occur from playing tennis or other racquet sports, or from repetitive motions during work or hobbies. Poor form during these activities can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
Other potential causes include direct trauma to the elbow, arthritis, or infection. In some cases, the exact cause of tennis elbow may not be clear.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness in the forearm muscles, and pain when extending the arm or grasping objects. The pain may worsen with activity and often improves with rest.
Physiotherapy management of tennis elbow typically includes a combination of exercises, stretches, and modalities such as ice or heat. Specific exercises may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint. In some cases, a splint or brace may be recommended to support the healing process.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
One of the most common symptoms of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow. This pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. The pain may be worse when you grip an object or lift your arm. You may also feel pain when extendsing your arm or bending your wrist. Other symptoms include weakness in the affected arm and a loss of range of motion. If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see a physiotherapist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How do you manage your pain when playing tennis with a diagnosis of a chronic case?
Chronic tennis elbow is a difficult injury to manage. The pain can be debilitating and make it hard to enjoy the game. The key to managing chronic tennis elbow is to find the right balance of activity and rest. You may need to take some time off from playing to allow your elbow to heal. Physical therapy can also be helpful in managing the pain and strengthening the muscles around the elbow.
When do you need to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan?
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, you might be wondering whether you need to see a doctor. The answer depends on the severity of your symptoms. If the pain is mild and goes away with home treatment, you probably don’t need to see a doctor. However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, it’s time to make an appointment. Your doctor can diagnose tennis elbow and develop a treatment plan that will help you get back to your normal activities.
Types of treatments: physiotherapy, surgical options, injections, other therapies
There are many different types of treatments available for tennis elbow, and the best option for each individual will depend on the severity of their condition. Some common treatments include physiotherapy, surgery, injections, and other therapies.
Physiotherapy is often the first line of treatment for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist can help to reduce pain and inflammation with a variety of techniques, including massage, ice, heat, and exercises. They can also provide advice on how to modify your activities to avoid aggravating your condition.
If physiotherapy does not improve your symptoms, you may be referred to a surgeon. Surgical options for tennis elbow include decompression surgery and tendon release surgery. These procedures can be effective in relieving pain, but they do carry some risks.
Injections are another treatment option that can be considered for tennis elbow. A corticosteroid injection can help to reduce inflammation and pain, while an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can promote healing.
Other therapies that may be recommended for tennis elbow include acupuncture and ultrasonic therapy. These treatments are generally considered to be safe and effective, but more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the elbow, forearm, and upper arm. The good news is that there are many different treatments available to help relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow. If you think you may have tennis elbow, be sure to see your doctor or physiotherapist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right management, you can soon get back to enjoying your favourite activities without pain.
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