Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that causes symptoms in the outer portion of the elbow and occasionally into the forearm or wrist. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that can limit your ability to perform daily tasks.
Pain: This is often the first symptom of Tennis Elbow. The pain usually feels sharp or burning, and it often worsens when you twist or bend your arm.
Stiffness: Your elbow may feel tight and difficult to move, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling: This is caused by inflammation in the joint. It can make the joint feel warm to the touch and can restrict the joint's range of motion.
Weak Grip: You may find it difficult to hold something like a racket, pen or shake someone’s hand.
The causes of Tennis Elbow are multifactorial. They include:
Overuse of the arm: Be it in a sport or one's profession, overuse of the arm is a major cause. It is caused due to damage to the specific tendon. Minor tear occur in the tendons which lead to inflammation and pain.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI): Sports like tennis, badminton, squash or throwing discus require you to lean back and forth. Too much of that repeated motion can strain the tissues around your elbow.
Age: Wear and tear due to age can also lead to Tennis Elbow.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of your Tennis Elbow.
Rest: Resting your elbow can help to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. However, it's important not to rest too much as this can lead to stiffness and weakness.
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve flexibility and strength, and to reduce pain.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the elbow.
Exercises to improve strength and flexibility: These can help to reduce pain and improve joint function. Specific exercises can include strengthening of the forearm muscles, stretching and mobility exercises, and core stabilisation exercises.
Advice on managing daily activities: This can include learning new ways to do everyday tasks, such as cooking or cleaning, to reduce strain on affected joints.
Assistance with pain management: This can include learning relaxation techniques or other methods to help manage pain.
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