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Tennis Elbow or "lateral epicondylitis" is a painful condition which centers around the outside of the elbow. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in North America.
WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW?
Tennis Elbow is actually tendinitis of the wrist extensor muscles.
Micro tears in part of the tendon surrounding the elbow and muscle coverings are the first stages in Tennis Elbow development. After the initial tears heal, repeated tears commonly occur in the same areas of tissue. This eventually leads to hemorrhaging or the formation of rough tissue and calcium deposits. Collagen then leaks from the injured areas, causing inflammation and pain. Untreated tears and injuries cause so much pressure that they cut off the blood flow and pinch nerves responsible for controlling muscles in the arms and hands.
WHAT CAUSES TENNIS ELBOW?
Tennis Elbow can be caused by injury, repetitive movement, strain or the overuse of muscles. Pain is most obvious when gripping objects and extending the arm, such as when swinging a tennis racquet or holding a cup of coffee. Despite its name, Tennis Elbow doesn't just occur in tennis players. Anyone who uses the same movements while gripping items can fall victim. This includes golfers, computer users, machinists, carpenters, mechanics, painters and a host of other professions and activities. When muscles are strained or overused, they become inflamed, and painful to the touch.
Inflammation can also occur from direct injury, such as bangs and bumps. In these cases, muscles generally tear, causing pain and swelling, and recurrance is common.
Inflammation can also occur without definite cause, though this is rarely the case. Arthritis, rheumatism and gout have sometimes caused Tennis Elbow. Persons who suffer neck problems or nerve disorders are also at risk of developing Tennis Elbow.
Other causes of Tennis Elbow include incorrect grips, poor hitting positions, using a metal framed tennis racquet, improperly carrying a briefcase or other heavy object, or spending too much time using isolated muscle groups in the elbow area.
SYMPTOMS
Recurring pain on the outside of upper forearm.
Pain immediately below the bend in the elbow.
Pain that radiates from the elbow to the wrist.
Difficulty or pain when extending forearm.
Numbness or tingling in shoulder, elbow or wrist.
Stiffness that restricts movement of elbow.
PREVENTION
STRETCHING is the easiest way to avoid Tennis Elbow and other muscle injuries. Allow yourself 15-minutes of stretching time before exercising or overusing elbow muscles. Make certain arm muscles are thoroughly warmed before beginning more strenuous activity.
TAKE BREAKS. Resting overused muscles when pain first appears will help to avoid serious injury. If Tennis Elbow is suffered as a result of computer usage, handling tools or similar activities, allow yourself 15-minutes of rest time every few hours. Relax muscles during this time by allowing your arms to dangle at your sides. Before returning to work, stretch the arms out in front of your body, over your head and behind your back.
LIFT heavy objects with your palms facing your body. This will put less strain on the elbow region.
STRENGTHEN overused muscles with exercise or hand and wrist weights. Cock your elbow and with palms down, repeatedly bend your wrist up and down.
SWIVELING exercises are another effective way to strengthen muscles. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Hold a heavy object (like a hammer) in your hand. Place your right elbow against your right side. Lift the forearm until it's parallel with the floor. Twist your wrist 10 times, using the same motion as you would to turn a combination lock. Repeat with the other hand.
LEARN A NEW SWING. Very often, when tennis causes Tennis Elbow, it means you have a poor backhand. Change your technique and you'll probably put an end to pain and inflammation.
WARNING
Chronic inflammation of the tendons can lead to permanent injury and disability. If pain persists for more than a few days or at home treatment fails to show improvement, contact your doctor.
TREATMENT-TRADITIONAL
ICE. If you suddenly develop pain in the elbow region, pack your arm in ice immediately to reduce swelling. This will often help to relieve pain, as well.
REST. It's important, especially if you have tears to muscles and tendons, to rest the arm completely. Do not continue activities which over use or place unneeded strain on the elbow for 1-4 weeks.
HEAT therapy helps to reduce pain, as does ultrasound and physiotherapy treatments. Applying moist heat for up to 3-hours, twice daily will help to keep your arm at rest and make you more comfortable.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY drugs, like Tylenol, can be used for the treatment of pain and inflammation.
SEVERE cases sometimes require an injection of steroids to the affected area. See your doctor for more information.
BRACES are sold over-the-counter in many shops and drugstores. Braces can help to isolate muscles and reduce the amount of range elbow muscles can use.
CREAMS, which warm joints, work well to reduce pain and inflammation. Topical ointments specifically designed to treat Tennis Elbow are now available over-the-counter.
SURGERY is sometimes performed when general measures fail to reduce the pain and suffering of Tennis Elbow. Surgery for this condition is rare, but can be done. Surgery consists of cutting the main tendon loose and reshaping the rounded bump of your elbow. Other surgical techniques remove granulated tissue or repair tissue altogether.
TREATMENT-ALTERNATIVE
MASSAGE therapy has shown promise in the treatment of Tennis Elbow. Gently massage muscles from the wrist, moving toward the elbow joint.
HOT PEPPER creams and ointments are available over-the-counter and at most sporting goods stores. Hot peppers (capsaicin) works as a temporary anesthetic, dulling pain from the nerve level.
ACUPUNCTURE Treatments are a popular treatment for tendinitis and Tennis Elbow. Needles are used near the source of pain and along the forearm and wrist. This helps to improve circulation and speed healing.
ACUPRESSURE therapy is another for of treatment which can help to promote healing. This form of treatment is especially effective for chronic sufferers.
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