Is Your Elbow Painfully Seeking Your Attention After A Game Of Tennis?
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is swelling of the tendons that helps in the bending of your wrist backwards and away from your palm.
Tough cords of tissue that joins muscles with the bones is called a tendon. The exterior carpi radialis brevis tendon is the one most likely involved in a tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is generally diagnosed in both women and men between ages 30 to 50.
What causes a Tennis Elbow?
As the name implies, tennis elbow is generally caused by the force of the tennis racket that hits the ball in the backhand position. You may become sore from excessive strain being put on your forearm muscles that are attached to the outside of your elbow. The tendons that roll over the end of our elbow could get damaged, while attempting a backhand stroke in tennis. Tennis elbow may be a result of:
Using a tennis racket that is too short or too tightly strung
Incorrect backhand stroke
Weak wrist and shoulder muscles
Hitting the ball off the center of the racket, or hitting wet, heavy balls
Other racquet sports, like racquetball or squash
Nonetheless, most people suffering from tennis elbow don't play tennis. The problem could be a result of any repetitive movement. Other causes of tennis elbow include:
Painting with a roller or brush
Working on a chainsaw
Frequently using other hand tools on a regular basis
Using repeated hand motions in various types of work, such as musicians, butchers, dentists, carpenters, and auto workers.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Here are some of the most common symptoms of tennis elbow. Nonetheless, you may experience symptoms differently.
Initially, you may experience pain, an ache, or a burning sensation along the outer side of your elbow and forearm. The pain gets worse with time. The pain might spread down to your wrist if you continue doing the activity that caused your condition. You may also feel pain when you place your hand and arm palm-down on a table, and then again when you attempt to raise your hand against resistance. You may also experience slight pain when you try lifting and gripping small objects, like a coffee cup. A weaker grip can be another symptom of a tennis elbow.
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Your orthopedist usually diagnoses your tennis elbow with the help of a physical exam. In a few cases, you may have certain tests, like:
MRI - This test shows your tendons and the damage they have suffered. If arthritis is in your neck or spine, an MRI of your neck or disk will reveal what's causing it.
X-ray - Will help in having a look at the bones of your elbow, and will help in assessing if you have arthritis, or any other issue with your elbow.
Electromyography (EMG) of your elbow can show if you have any type of nerve problems that may be resulting in pain.
How Can Tennis Elbows be treated?
In the first place, it’s critical to avoid the motion that caused your injury. Treatment may include:
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Stopping the activity that produces the symptoms
Wrapping your elbow in a compression bandage
Ice packs to reduce inflammation
Anti-inflammatory medicines
If these treatments don't seem to work, your doctor may talk to you about other options like:
Using a brace to keep it still for a few weeks
Steroid injections to help reduce pain and swelling
A special type of ultrasound that can help increase blood flow, break up scar tissue, and promote healing
Surgery is rarely needed
How To Prevent Tennis Elbow?
Keep your arms strong and flexible.
Try staying away from repetitive movements.
Warm up before using your arms, whether you engage in a sport, exercise or any other repetitive movement.
Make sure your equipment is right for you, if you play a racquet sport
When should I call a Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
Moving affects your daily activities
Pain getting worse
You see a lump or bulge on your arm
If you’re on the lookout for an expert orthopedist in Bengaluru who could look into the pain issues of your elbow, hand, ankle, shoulder, hip, knee, hamstring, back, or neck, you could get in touch with 1Health. Our expert orthopaedist will help you with the diagnosis and based on the finding, will plan the treatment you need to undergo to relieve you of the pain.