Have you ever experienced persistent pain in your elbow while playing tennis or engaging in other activities that require repetitive arm movements? If so, you might be dealing with tennis elbow, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In this blog post, we will dive deep into effective treatment tennis elbow options, both non-surgical and surgical, and provide valuable insights on preventing and managing this common ailment. Let’s explore how you can regain your strength and get back to the activities you love.
Key Takeaways
- Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles.
- Monitor symptoms to identify and treat tennis elbow promptly. Non-surgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy exercises & braces can be used.
- Surgery may be necessary for severe cases. Post surgery recovery involves rest and personalized rehabilitation programs.
Understanding Tennis Elbow: Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs due to overuse of the forearm muscles, especially in activities involving repetitive wrist and arm movements. It affects the tendons connecting to the lateral epicondyle, the bony protuberance on the outside of the elbow joint. Although commonly seen in racquet sports players, people in various occupations, such as painters, plumbers, and carpenters, are also at risk of developing this condition.
Individuals aged 30 to 50 are more likely to experience tennis elbow, regardless of gender. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle is often affected. Tennis elbow includes the overuse of this muscle, which can lead to microscopic tears in the tendon, resulting in inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of tennis elbow typically develop gradually, worsening over several weeks to months.
Identifying Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most prevalent symptom of tennis elbow is:
- Pain emanating from the exterior of the upper part of the forearm, which may worsen when the elbow bends
- This pain can extend from the elbow to the hand and wrist
- Tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Difficulty gripping objects
- General weakness in your forearm muscles
Monitoring your symptoms is crucial if you suspect tennis elbow. If your pain continues or escalates despite self-treatment measures, you should seek professional medical advice. With early diagnosis and treatment, you can avoid further complications and achieve a smoother recovery.
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
To diagnose tennis elbow, your healthcare provider will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, occupation, and any recreational activities that may have induced your symptoms. A physical examination will be conducted, requiring you to move your arm and elbow in various directions to assess which movements are painful.
If necessary, additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, and Electromyography (EMG) may be employed to rule out other conditions or confirm the diagnosis.
If your symptoms persist or escalate within two weeks of self-treatment, seek medical advice. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from becoming more severe and impacting your daily activities.
Non-surgical Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
The majority of tennis elbow cases can be treated effectively through non-surgical options, which include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Exercises
- Braces
These treatments aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the affected tendons and muscles.
Subsequent subsections delve into these approaches, providing valuable insights into the most effective non-surgical treatments for tennis elbow.
Medications and Anti-inflammatory Treatments
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac are frequently used to treat tennis elbow. These medications help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
However, the use of steroid injections, once a common treatment for tennis elbow, has decreased due to concerns about their long-term effectiveness in providing pain relief.
In some cases, healthcare providers may still recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from symptoms. Before deciding on the most suitable course of action, discuss the risks and benefits of these treatments with your healthcare provider.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
Physiotherapy for tennis elbow aims to strengthen the forearm muscles and promote muscle healing. A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises, such as wrist turns and towel twists, to help improve mobility, flexibility, and strength in the affected muscles. Before starting any exercises, ensure any swelling has subsided and consult with a medical professional or therapist.
I am a physio based in Crawley and you can get in touch via my Contact page if you would like to discuss your injury further.
A tailored rehabilitation program can enhance your forearm muscle strength, alleviate symptoms, and prevent recurrence of tennis elbow. The long-term management of this condition can significantly benefit from consistent physical therapy and exercises.
Braces and Support Devices
Braces and support devices can be a valuable component of non-surgical treatment for tennis elbow. These devices provide additional support and stability to the injured arm, reducing strain on the tendons and promoting healing. Examples of braces used for tennis elbow include:
- Mueller Tennis Elbow Brace
- Tennis elbow straps
- Counter-force braces
- PUSH Sports Tennis Elbow Brace
- Wrist braces
Incorporating braces and support devices into your treatment plan can help manage your symptoms and facilitate recovery. Consult with your healthcare provider to select the most suitable brace or support device for your needs.
Preventing Tennis Elbow
Preventing tennis elbow involves several key strategies, including maintaining arm strength and flexibility, avoiding repetitive movements, and using proper equipment and techniques. Engaging in regular exercises specifically tailored to tennis elbow can help strengthen your forearm muscles and reduce the risk of developing the condition. Warming up before participating in activities that involve repetitive arm and wrist movements can also help prevent injuries.
In addition to exercise and proper warm-up, using equipment that fits correctly can minimize strain on your forearm muscles. For example, ensuring that your tennis racket is the appropriate size and weight can help prevent tennis elbow in racquet sport enthusiasts, including those who participate in other racquet sports.
Adopting these preventive measures can significantly lower your risk of developing tennis elbow while playing tennis, enabling you to maintain your active lifestyle.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek professional help if your tennis elbow symptoms persist or worsen after self-treatment attempts, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief. If your pain remains unchanged or becomes more severe after six weeks of self-treatment, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
Seek medical help if you experience arm pain that interferes with your daily activities or if you notice a bulge or lump on your arm. Timely consultation with a healthcare professional can ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment and support needed for a successful recovery.
Surgical Treatment for Severe Tennis Elbow Cases
In severe cases where non-surgical treatments have not yielded successful results within six to twelve months, surgical treatment options may be necessary. These options include arthroscopic techniques, tendon reconstruction, or open tendon repair to repair damaged tendons and tissues.
The subsequent subsections will cover the preparation process for surgery and the recovery and rehabilitation journey post-surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Before undergoing surgery for tennis elbow, discuss the procedure, associated risks, and potential benefits with your healthcare provider. This conversation aids in making an informed decision and setting realistic expectations for the surgery’s outcome.
Additionally, your healthcare provider will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions, including any dietary restrictions, medications to avoid, and other necessary preparations. Adhering to these pre-operative instructions is important to ensure a successful surgery and to minimize potential complications.
Being well-prepared and informed allows you to approach your surgery with confidence and optimism.
Post-surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
The recovery process following tennis elbow surgery typically involves rest, immobilization, and personalized rehabilitation programs. These programs, developed by a team of physical therapists, pain management specialists, and orthopaedic specialists, are tailored to your specific needs and objectives for recovery. The expected recovery time for tennis elbow surgery ranges from 6 to 12 weeks to return to work and 4 to 6 months to resume normal activities and sports.
Regaining full range of motion and strength in your affected arm may require an additional 6 to 8 weeks of dedicated rehabilitation. Closely following your personalized rehabilitation program and collaborating with your healthcare team maximizes your recovery and enables a return to daily activities with renewed strength and confidence.
Summary
In conclusion, tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, you can effectively manage and prevent this ailment. Whether through non-surgical treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and braces, or surgical interventions in more severe cases, the road to recovery is achievable. By taking proactive steps to maintain arm strength and flexibility, as well as seeking professional help when necessary, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities without the burden of tennis elbow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to cure tennis elbow?
The fastest way to cure tennis elbow is to rest the injured arm, stop the activity that caused it, take pain medications and follow self-care measures. If needed, physical therapy or a procedure such as a shot or surgery can also be used for faster recovery.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Tennis elbow usually resolves itself within 6 months to a year, though it can take up to two years in some cases. Taking the necessary steps such as resting and avoiding the activity that caused the issue can help accelerate the healing process.
What is the common treatment for tennis elbow?
The most common treatment for tennis elbow is activity modification, icing the affected area, and using a cold compress. Other options include stretching exercises, medication, braces, and injections, although surgery is rarely used.
What activities or occupations are most likely to cause tennis elbow?
Repetitive arm and wrist movements associated with occupations such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, auto work, cooking, and butchery can all lead to tennis elbow.
What exercises can I do to help prevent tennis elbow?
Exercises such as wrist turns and towel twists can help improve forearm strength and flexibility, thus reducing the risk of developing tennis elbow.
Note: This article was written with the help of AI technology and therefore may include incorrect information and discrepancies.