Tennis Elbow
Introduction:
During physical activity, people tend to ignore the tightness in their elbow, assuming that it will go away later. However, it may transform into a major issue, prohibiting one from doing something as simple as holding a cup. Overlooking the initial signs of tennis elbow can lead to long-term discomfort and inhibition, underscoring the necessity to learn about the symptoms and treatments.
What is a Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition that results from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow. Tennis elbow is linked to repeated motions of the wrist and arm. The pain is usually located where the tendons attach to the bony bump outside the elbow. Pain can spread into the forearm and wrist, and may prevent certain actions. Rest, ice, and physical therapy are usually enough to resolve tennis elbow, but severe cases may require a shot or surgery.
Symptoms:
You may feel the most pain when you:
Make a fist or grip an object
Open a door
Shake hands
Raise your hand
Lift something
Straighten your wrist
If you experience great pain moving your arm, have a swollen elbow, or are unable to perform daily activities consider talking to a medical professional.
Causes:
Activities that can cause tennis elbow include:
Playing racket sports, especially using backhand, with poor form
Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short
Hitting the ball off-center on the racket, or hitting heavy, wet balls
Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
Using plumbing tools
Painting
Driving screws
Cutting up foods for cooking, particularly meat
Using a computer mouse a lot
Source
Ways to treat tennis elbow:
Rest and stop the activity that produces the symptoms
Ice packs (to reduce inflammation)
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
Bracing the area to keep it still for a few weeks or use a special brace with activities
However, for more extreme cases, you may have to go to a healthcare professional. They may perform treatments such as steroid injections, ultrasonic therapy, or surgery. The steroid injection serves to reduce swelling and pain, and the ultrasound would improve blood flow and tissue recovery. In very, very rare cases, when the elbow is beyond recovery by natural means, surgery would be required.
How to prevent future tennis elbow:
To prevent future tennis elbow, the best ways are to keep your arms flexible and strong, as well as avoid repetitive arm and wrist movements. Furthermore, unless necessary, avoid bending or straightening your arm all the way. If you plan on playing a sport or doing general physical activity, warm up before exercising or using your arms, especially if it requires repetitive movements. Moreover, if you play a racquet sport, make sure your equipment is right for you.
Conclusion:
With this knowledge, tennis elbow merely becomes a hindrance. Knowing the targeted exercises and including rest allows one to treat themselves if they have this ailment. Furthermore, the insights into prevention and early intervention allow people to alleviate current discomfort and confidently build a strong, adaptable elbow.
Sources:
Clinic, Mayo. “Tennis Elbow.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Sept. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tennis-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20351987.
Hopkins, John. “Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow).” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2021, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lateral-epicondylitis-tennis-elbow.
Sheikh, Zilpah. “Tennis Elbow Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.” WebMD, WebMD, 12 Oct. 2023, www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis.