What is Tennis Elbow | Symptoms And Treatment

What is Tennis Elbow?

You all must be aware of this condition "tennis elbow". What is it? How does it occur? Some people have confusion that it only occurs to the sportsperson involved in tennis sports. But is that really true? This blog will clear all your doubts related to this condition.

Tennis elbow is also called as lateral epicondylitis. It occurs due to the wear and tear of the forearm and wrist muscles. The origin of pain is from the muscles that are coming from the lateral epicondyle i.e. the outer part of the elbow. Due to the repeated use of forearm  and wrist muscles, the tendons become inflamed thus causing pain and tenderness on the lateral aspect of elbow.

It not only occurs in athletes but other professionals also, who have stringent involvement of their forearm and wrist like plumbers, carpenters, painters, cooks, weight lifters etc. It is also commonly seen in ladies because of their household chores like wringing clothes, kitchen activities, lifting of heavy utensils or bucket. In athletes tennis elbow occurs because of playing with poor backhand stroke technique Nowadays it is occurring in any group but mainly seen from 25 years-60 years.

What are the symptoms?

• Pain on the outer or lateral aspect of elbow. Sometimes it radiates till forearm and wrist.
• Grip strength becomes weak.
• Difficulty in holding a glass of water or a cup of coffee, turning the door knob.
• Females face difficulty in cooking food especially mixing of vegetables and washing clothes.
• Males experience pain while driving bike or scooter.
• Playing of racquet sports becomes difficult.

How it is Treated?

1. NSAIDS

Drugs like ibuprofen helps in reducing swelling and pain.

2.Rest

Patient should give rest to the affected part by reducing the activities which provoke the symptoms for several weeks.

3.Lateral epicondylitis band

Use of band or brace during activity helps in relieving the pain by providing rest to the forearm muscle and tendons. It should be tied 1 cm below the lateral epicondyle(outer part of elbow);the point from where the affected extensors muscles originates.

4. Physiotherapy

Use of cold packs for 10 mins, IFT for 20 mins, Ultrasonic therapy for 5-6 mins, and laser are some of the effective techniques in reducing the pain and inflammation. It also enhances the muscle healing i.e the repair of the injured tendons. Gradually few exercises are being taught to the patient to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles.
Refer for detailed exercises in my next blog.

5. Steroid Injections

Steroid like cortisone injections are used to reduce swelling and pain but sometimes they not effective in the long run.

6. Surgical treatment

It is done only when conservative treatment is unable to reduce the symptoms of tennis elbow. In this damaged tendon is removed and repairing of remaining tendon is done. It proves to be useful in 80-90% cases.

Source:tennis-elbow