"Tennis Elbow Pain: Prevention and Relief"
Published on:07/04/23. Update on: India, 27/07/2023, 2.40 pm
What is tennis elbow pain?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis.
It is a common injury among tennis players, but can also occur in other athletes and non-athletes.
While tennis elbow is a common injury among tennis players, it can occur in other athletes and non-athletes as well. The condition is typically characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive stress to the tendons and muscles of the forearm, which leads to inflammation. Treatment for tennis elbow typically involves a combination of rest, ice, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Prevention of tennis elbow is typically focused on avoiding repetitive stress to the forearm muscles and tendons. This can be accomplished by using proper technique when playing tennis or other sports, as well as by maintaining good overall fitness and flexibility.
Anatomy
Your elbow is a joint made up of three bones, the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two bones in the forearm (radius and ulna). There are bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus called epicondyles, where several muscles of the forearm begin their course. The bony bump on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle.
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons hold the elbow joint together. Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, involves the muscles and tendons of your forearm that are responsible for the extension of your wrist and fingers. Your forearm muscles extend your wrist and fingers. Your forearm tendons often called extensors attach the muscles to bone. The tendon usually involved in tennis elbow is called the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB).
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and difficulty moving the arm.
If you have tennis elbow, you will most likely feel pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow. In addition, you may also experience weakness in your forearm and difficulty moving your arm.
The pain from tennis elbow is often described as a dull, aching pain. It may be exacerbated by gripping objects or making a fist. The pain may also radiate down your forearm and into your hand. You may also notice that your elbow is stiff and sore to the touch.
If you have tennis elbow, you may also notice weakness in your forearm. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as opening a door or turning a doorknob. You may also have difficulty extending your arm fully or making a fist.
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow is often diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other conditions.
What is the main causes of tennis elbow Pain?
Tennis elbow is mostly caused by overusing your forearm due to a repetitive or strenuous activity. It can also sometimes occur after banging or knocking your elbow. If the muscles in your forearm are strained, tiny tears and inflammation can develop near the bony lump (lateral epicondyle) on the outside of your elbow.
Prevention Of Tennis Elbow Pain
There are a number of things you can do to prevent and relieve tennis elbow pain. These include warm-up and cool-down exercises, using the right equipment, and practicing proper form.
The things you can do to prevent Tennis Elbow, including warm up before activity, use proper form when playing tennis or participating in other activities, and take breaks as needed.
There are a number of steps you can take to prevent tennis elbow pain before it starts.
Warm up before playing. It's important to increase blood flow to your muscles and tendons before playing tennis or participating in any other activity. Use a light weight to gradually warm up your arm muscles.
Use proper form. When playing tennis or engaging in any other activity, be sure to use proper form. This will help to prevent putting too much strain on your elbow.
Take breaks as needed. Whenever you feel pain in your elbow, take a break. Once the pain has subsided, you can slowly start to increase your activity level again.
If you follow these simple steps, you can prevent tennis elbow pain before it starts.
Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow Pain
In some cases, Physical Therapy may be recommended.
Tennis elbow pain is a common condition that can be very painful and disruptive. While rest and over-the-counter pain medication can help, in some cases physical therapy may be recommended.
Physical therapy for tennis elbow pain typically involves a combination of exercises and stretching. The goal is to help strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow to take some of the strain off of the irritated tissue. Physical therapy can also help to improve range of motion and reduce inflammation.
In most cases, physical therapy for tennis elbow pain is done on an outpatient basis. This means that you will come to the physical therapy Clinic for treatments and then go home afterward. Treatment sessions are typically short, lasting 30 minutes or less.
What is the best way to fix tennis elbow?
Nonsurgical Treatment for Tennis Elbow
1. Activity modification.
2. Corticosteroid injections into the elbow joint.
3. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
4. Ultrasound Therapy.
5. Elbow support Brace.
6. Icing.
7. anti-inflammatory medication.
8. Range-of-motion exercises/physical therapy.
