Epicondylitis Lateral (Tennis Elbow)

Trauma to the elbow, or recurrent stress on the elbow tendons through sports or the use of specific instruments, can lead to Tennis Elbow. Tennis elbow can cause numbness or itch in the fingers and aches and pains in the elbow. Exercise modification, icing, medication, stretching and bracing, and injections are treatment options for tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is rarely treated with surgery.

What causes tennis elbow?                   

Inflammation of the muscles and tendons that allow the wrist to be bent backward away from the palm is lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. When a tendon connects muscles and bones, they form a robust and flexible linkage. The extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon is the most likely culprit in the tennis elbow. Men and women between 30 and 50 are most commonly affected by tennis elbow. Treatment for tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is caused by what?

A common cause of tennis elbow or elbow pain is the tennis racquet's power to strike the ball when playing backhand. Excessive strain can cause soreness in the muscles outside your elbow that connect to your forearms. In tennis, the tendons that roll over the end of our elbow can be harmed when we do a backhand stroke. Any of the following factors can bring on tennis elbow:

·         A bad backhand technique

·         Muscle weakness in the shoulders and wrists

·         Overstretched or under strengthening a tennis racket

In addition to tennis, there is also racquetball and squash. Off-centering the ball on the racket or hitting heavy, damp balls are two examples of bad habits. On the other hand, tennis elbow prevents many people from playing the sport. Any movement that is performed repeatedly can result in this issue. A variety of other things can cause tennis elbow.

·         Use a brush or roller to apply paint.

·         Chainsaw operator

·         Regularly, the usage of other hand instruments.

·         Meat cutters, musicians, dentists, and carpenters use repetitive hand gestures.

When does tennis elbow occur?                                                  

The following symptoms characterize the tennis elbow. However, your symptoms may be different from those of others. Your forearm and elbow may begin to hurt, feel hot, or have an aching sensation at first. The pain worsens with time. Your wrist may get inflamed even if you stop doing the action that led to your injury. Placing your arm and hand palm-down on a table and then attempting to raise your hand against resistance can also cause discomfort.

When raising and holding tiny objects like a coffee cup, you may experience discomfort. Tennis elbow can cause a loss of grip strength, which is another indication. Tennis elbow's symptoms can be mistaken for those of other medical diseases. The best approach to get an accurate diagnosis is to see your doctor.

Tennis elbow can be diagnosed in what way?

Tennis elbow can usually be diagnosed through a physical examination by your doctor.

Specific tests, such as the following:

An X-ray of your elbow to determine if you have arthritis. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can reveal the extent of damage to your tendons. An MRI of your neck can reveal if your arm pain is caused by arthritis in your neck or by disc problems in your spine. Electromyography (EMG) of your elbow could reveal any nerve issues causing your discomfort.

What is the treatment for tennis elbow?

You must avoid the movement that initially caused your injury. A variety of options are available, including:

·         Take time to relax and avoid the triggers that are causing your discomfort.

·         The use of frozen containers (to reduce inflammation)

·         Stretching and strengthening activities.

·         There are anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or naproxen)

The following options may be discussed with you if these therapies fail:

·         The use of a customized brace or bracing the area to keep it immobile during activities for a few weeks

·         The use of steroid injections to alleviate pain and swelling

·         Ultrasound can break up scar tissue, enhance blood flow, and encourage healing.

·         Surgeons perform procedures (rarely necessary)

To avoid developing tennis elbow, what can I do?

Keep your arms supple and robust by exercising them regularly. Repeated actions should be avoided. Before engaging in strenuous physical activity, warm up your muscles by flexing your biceps and triceps. Make sure your racquet sports equipment is appropriate for your needs before you start playing. At what point should I make an appointment with my doctor or another medical professional?

If your normal daily activities are being hindered by pain or difficulty moving, Pain that doesn't go away or worsen despite treatment is a sign that you should see a doctor. Arm bulges or lumps are visible.