Tennis Elbow

TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow. This is a condition that develops when you repeatedly twist or swing your lower arm. The tendon that connects your elbow to your forearm muscles is harmed by excessive elbow strain. The majority of patients recover after a few months of rest and nonsurgical treatment. Sometimes, providers refer to tennis elbow as lateral epicondylitis.

TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow gets its name since it’s a prevalent ailment among athletes who play racquet sports like tennis. It results from overusing the  tendon that joins your elbow to your forearm muscles.

Symptoms

Pain on the outside of the elbow, which is the side that is farthest from the center of your body when your arms are at your sides with your palms facing forward, is one of the most typical signs of tennis elbow.
Stiffness.
Swelling.
a weak grip, particularly while attempting to shake someone’s hand or hold anything like a pen or racquet.

Causes

Tennis elbow can be brought on by repetitive motions or activities. Over time, additional strain from repetitive motions accumulates. Your extensor muscle tendon eventually sustains microscopic tears (microtraumas) as a result of the increased use and strain. You can feel and observe the signs of those microtraumas.
Although less frequent, tennis elbow can also result from an abrupt injury to the arm or elbow.

Treatment

Rest: Stop the activity that is causing your tennis elbow. During the healing process, try not to use your elbow.
Ice: Use an ice pack or cold compress on your elbow a few times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Keep ice packs away from your skin by wrapping them in a towel or other lightweight cloth.
Apply a compression bandage to your elbow to provide compression. Your provider can show you how to safely apply the compression bandage.
Elevation: Try to keep your elbow as high above your heart as you can.

Physical therapy: To improve your flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding your elbow, a physical therapist will prescribe stretches and exercises.
Wearing a brace: Braces for the elbow and wrist will give your tendon time to rest and repair. The type of brace you require and the frequency of its use will be determined by your healthcare professional.
Platelet-rich plasma is created by processing a sample of your blood to concentrate platelets, which are proteins that promote healing. The blood sample will then be injected into your elbow.

Prevention

Wear the appropriate safety gear for all jobs, sports, and pastimes.
Avoid “playing through pain” when engaging in or recovering from physical activity.
After a strenuous activity, give your body time to rest and recuperate.
Warm up and stretch before working out or participating in sports.
After exercising, stretch and cool down.
Engage in physical activities that are specific to your sport, hobbies, or occupation.

Summary

To allow their torn tendon to recover, most people require nonsurgical therapies and rest for a few months. The ideal therapies for you and the length of time you must refrain from particular actions or activities will be discussed with you by your healthcare practitioner.