Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by inflammation around the outer part of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle—the bony bump on the outside of the elbow—become overused or strained, leading to small tears in the tendon. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who frequently uses their arm and wrist in repetitive motions, not just tennis players.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is mainly caused by repetitive motion and overuse of the forearm muscles, which strains the tendons attached to the outer elbow. Common causes include:
- Repetitive Activities: Tasks such as playing tennis, painting, carpentry, or typing can overwork the tendons over time.
- Improper Technique: Using incorrect techniques in sports or when handling tools can put extra stress on the elbow.
- Age: People between 30 and 50 are more likely to develop tennis elbow, as tendons lose flexibility and strength with age.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- The elbow’s outside part is burning or hurting.
- weak grip strength, which makes it challenging to hold onto anything.
- increased discomfort when performing repetitive tasks like lifting or gripping.
- soreness or stiffness when attempting to completely extend the arm.
- discomfort that travels from the elbow to the wrist and forearm.
Treatment Options
Treatment for tennis elbow varies depending on how severe the condition is, and can range from simple at-home remedies to surgical options. Some common treatments include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Giving your elbow a break from activities that trigger pain is crucial. Adjusting your movements to reduce strain helps the tendons heal.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the elbow can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can help ease pain and swelling.
- Bracing: Wearing a forearm strap or brace can reduce tension on the tendons, promoting healing.
- Physical Therapy: A tailored physical therapy plan with specific stretches and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and build muscle strength to support recovery.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can be used to temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation in certain situations.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: For more persistent cases, PRP therapy, which uses your own blood to encourage healing, may be considered.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from tennis elbow can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. For those who don’t require surgery, rest and physical therapy can lead to improvements within a few weeks. After surgery, most patients can expect to return to their normal activities within 4 to 6 months, especially if they follow a structured rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength and flexibility in the elbow.
