Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a prevalent condition that is common among people who make repetitive wrist and arm movements on a regular basis. The name might imply it is based in tennis players, but anyone who overuses their forearm muscles can get the condition. From office employees to carpenters, tennis elbow is a prevalent condition that creates pain and restricts daily activities.

At Adam Vital Hospital, we have expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions such as tennis elbow, helping patients recover strength and mobility in their arms. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments can assist individuals in effectively managing and preventing this condition.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse syndrome of the tendons in the forearm, which results in pain and inflammation on the lateral side of the elbow. The tendons that are attached to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the lateral elbow, become inflamed as a result of repetitive stress. This leads to microtears, which may result in pain and discomfort with activities of daily living.

While it is most often linked to racquet sports such as tennis, other activities such as painting, gardening, carpentry, and even extended computer use may contribute to the condition.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs as repetitive motions place undue stress on the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Causes include:

Sports Activities: Badminton, squash, and racquet sports such as tennis necessitate repetitive movements of the wrist and forearm, thus raising the risk of tennis elbow.

Repetitive Hand Motions: Carpenters, painters, mechanics, and assembly-line workers usually suffer from this condition because they continually move their wrists and arms.

Office Work: The repeated use of a computer mouse or a keyboard can strain the forearm muscles and cause irritation and inflammation.

Lifting Heavy Items: Poor lifting styles, particularly with a bent wrist, may put too much stress on the tendons.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The most typical symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness at the outside of the elbow. Other signs are:

Pain when gripping things, shaking hands, or turning a doorhandle.

Weakness in the forearm that renders simple actions hard to perform.

Discomfort on lifting light objects, e.g., a cup of coffee.

Radiating pain down the forearm towards the wrist.

Symptoms vary in intensity from one individual to another, and if left unaddressed, the condition can last for months, impacting one's capability to perform normal tasks.

Successful Treatment Methods for Tennis Elbow

At Adam Vital Hospital, we provide complete treatment plans to treat patients for tennis elbow successfully. The treatment process varies with the intensity of the condition and the needs of the patient.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Reducing repetitive strain on the injured arm is one of the first therapeutic steps for tennis elbow. Avoiding painful provoking activities and proper rest enables the tendons to heal. Altering sports or work-related technique can avert further irritation.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has an important role to play in healing. Our trained physiotherapists at Adam Vital Hospital plan specific exercise programs to:

Strengthen muscles in the forearm to enhance support and minimize strain.

Improve flexibility through stretches.

Instruct proper technique for avoiding future injuries.

3. Pain Management Measures

For the patient who suffers from chronic pain, nonoperative pain management practices can prove successful:

Cold Therapy: Ice pack application may provide relief by diminishing swelling and easing pain.

Bracing: Support with a forearm brace or wrap can assist with alleviating strain on the tendons.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain and inflammation relievers may serve to minimize discomfort and inflammation.

4. Advanced Treatment Options

In more serious conditions where conservative management is not working, Adam Vital Hospital offers advanced treatment options like:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP injections utilize a patient's own platelets to induce healing and tissue growth in the affected area.

Shockwave Therapy: This non-surgical therapy stimulates blood circulation and speeds up the healing process.

Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections reduce swelling and offer short-term relief from pain.

5. Surgery (Rare Cases)

In extreme and exceptional situations, if symptoms linger for more than a year despite treatment, surgery is necessary to excise affected tissue and normalize tendon function. Yet, the majority of patients heal successfully with non-surgical intervention.

Prevention of Tennis Elbow

Prevention is always preferable to cure. To lower the risk of developing tennis elbow, try these preventive strategies:

Warm Up Prior to Activities: Stretching and warming up prior to sports or physical activities can lower muscle strain.

Apply Correct Technique: In sports or work activities, applying proper techniques can reduce undue stress on the tendons.

Build Muscle Strength: Exercise regularly to build the forearm and wrist muscles in order to avoid overuse injuries.

Don't Overdo It: Listen to your body and rest when doing repetitive actions.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can be painful and inconvenient, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, recovery is achievable. At Adam Vital Hospital, our specialized team provides advanced treatment options, personalized therapy plans, and expert guidance to help patients regain mobility and strength in their arms.