Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition that is the result of a strenuous over-usage of the muscles around the elbow and the forearm. It can be caused, as the name suggests, by playing tennis, but is also possible by other physical activities or other sports as well. It normally causes a lot of pain and inflammation outside the elbow joint.

The pain in tennis elbow is a result of the tendons in the elbow getting inflamed, occurring at the connection of the forearm muscle to the bones. It usually affects adults who are mid-aged. The condition normally clears off even without treatment, though in some cases it can get severe.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The major symptom of this condition is pain, on the outer part of the elbow and sometimes in the forearm also, increasing if the area is moved.
Based upon the severity of the condition, the following symptoms can be diagnosed:

• Repeated pain in the upper foreman and the elbow bend;
• Pain while lifting or when bending the arm;
• Pain caused due to writing or typing;
• Pain felt while twisting the forearm;
• Having trouble in fully extending the forearm;
• The pain of Tennis elbow lasts normally for about 6 to 12 weeks, though in some cases it might stop within 3 weeks itself.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is the result of tiny tears within the tendon area, causing inflammation. This happens due to repetitive usage of the tendon muscles, or strenuous movements. The inflammation is caused by the protein collagen. The tendon when inflamed may even cut off the flow of blood and tear the very important radial nerve.

The following activities can result in the tennis elbow condition: gardening, throwing sports, use of shears and scissors, swimming, typing, racquet sporting events, plumbing or lifting heavy objects repetitively. It can occur especially in sportspersons when they play the sport after long breaks, or among people who perform activities that they are not used to.

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

The easiest way for the doctor to diagnose this condition is by checking for pain by bending or twisting the arm. The doctor may ask for an x-ray to be taken in order to determine if any other possibilities might be like arthritis or an elbow injury. However, the tennis elbow cannot be diagnosed by an x-ray. Also, to ensure that the pain is not due to pressure on any nerve, the doctor may also go for an MRI or Ultrasound scan.

Treating Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow is known as a self-limiting disease, which means that it eventually cures itself. However, the time period it takes to heal differs, lasting from weeks to months and sometimes even years. The best treatment is to rest the elbow and not do any strenuous activities. Doctors also prescribe painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen to ease the inflammation.

The doctor can also give cortisone steroid injections into the tender spot of the elbow in case of severe pain. Physiotherapy follows this to make the elbow flexible enough again. In really extreme cases, even surgery might be required to treat tennis elbow.

Preventing Tennis Elbow

Ensuring that you don’t continue with activities that are repetitive and that make the elbow strained is very important. Also wearing a splint or an arm brace helps to avoid the condition.