Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis is a painful overuse injury which affects the tendons. The tendons connect the muscles which control the wrist and fingers to a bony protrusion on the elbow, known as lateral epicondyle. Lateral epicondylitis occurs as a result of repetitive motions which involve the forearm and elbow, like serving or backhand motions in tennis and other racquet sports. It most commonly occurs in 50% of the athletes whose sports involve overarm motions. However, the name “tennis elbow” is often misleading as most individuals who experience it do not play tennis. The condition tends to affect anyone who engages in the motion of one or both forearms.
To make this post helpful for readers, we have taken insights from the orthopedic doctors at Simpain Ortho. This guide will shed light on what tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is, its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options. We will also discuss ways of preventing tennis elbow. Suppose one has a tennis elbow and is looking for an effective Tennis Elbow Treatment in Delhi. In that case, one can visit Simpain Ortho to contact expert orthopaedicians for an effective treatment.
Let’s begin by discussing tennis elbow in detail.
What is a Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Tennis elbow, often referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is a type of tendinitis that causes pain in the elbow and arm. These tendons are bands of tough tissues connecting the lower arm to the bone. A tennis elbow is commonly diagnosed in both men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 years.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Every individual may experience symptoms differently. The following are some of the common symptoms of tennis elbow:
- One may have pain along the outside of the elbow and forearm. With time, the pain could start getting worse.
- Pain can occur when one places their arm and hand palm-down on the table and tries to raise their hand against resistance.
- One could also feel pain when one tries to lift and grip small objects such as a coffee cup.
- Having a weak grip is another symptom of a tennis elbow.
- Frequently performed tasks such as holding a cup, opening a door, picking up items, gripping objects, and screwing become painful is another symptom.
The symptoms of tennis elbow may look similar to other medical concerns or conditions. Therefore, one must see a leading Orthopedic Doctor in Delhi for a complete diagnosis. To do this, one can visit Simpain Ortho, where the expert orthopedic surgeons will recommend X-rays or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
What Causes Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
This condition tends to affect individuals between 30 and 50 years old, but it occurs in all age groups and both men as well women. The causes of tennis elbow include as below:
- Overuse occurs due to “repetitive” gripping and grasping activities like plumbing, painting, meat cutting, etc.
- Engaging in repetitive activities which involve forearm muscles such as gripping, twisting, or lifting, for a longer period can lead to tennis elbow. This can strain the tendons in the elbow and lead to pain and inflammation.
- Using improper equipment in sports such as tennis tends to increase the risk of developing a tennis elbow. For instance, the use of a racquet with a fitted grip size or playing with a technique that applies a lot of strain on the forearm muscles can lead to this condition.
How is Tennis Elbow Treated?
The treatment for tennis elbow can be classified into surgical and non-surgical treatments. Let us discuss both treatments in detail.
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Non-surgical Treatments
- Rest: The first step towards recovery is giving the arms proper rest. This implies that one will have to decrease participation in sports, heavy work activities, etc., which can cause painful symptoms for a few weeks.
- Medications: Acetaminophen or other medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Certain exercises can help strengthen the muscles of the forearms. The therapist can also perform ice massage, ultrasound or muscle-stimulating methods to improve muscle healing.
- Steroid Injections: Steroid injections provide quick pain relief and are effective anti-inflammatory medicines. The doctor might inject the painful area around the lateral epicondyle with a steroid to relieve the symptoms.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP is a treatment which is designed to improve the biological environment of the tissue. The procedure involves taking a blood sample from the arms and centrifuging it (spinning it) to obtain platelets from the solution. Platelets are known for their high concentration of growth factors injected in the affected area.
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Surgical Treatments
If the non-surgical treatments do not work after six months or a year, the surgeon may recommend surgery. Most surgical procedures for tennis elbow involve eliminating diseased muscles and reattaching healthy muscles back to the bone. The best approach for the patient will vary and depend on a range of factors. These include the scope of the injury, the general health of the patient, etc. The surgical options include:
- Open Surgery: The best treatment for tennis elbow repair is open surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the elbow. Open surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery, and it requires an overnight stay at the hospital.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: The tennis elbow can be repaired with the help of miniature instruments and small incisions. Similar to open surgery, it is also a same-day procedure.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Tennis Elbow?
Orthopedic doctors recommend a few tips that can help prevent tennis elbow. These include:
- Keep the arms flexible.
- Avoid repetitive movements.
- Warm up before engaging in any physical activity or repetitive motions with the arms.
- Make use of a tennis elbow splint if working for long hours.
- If one plays a racquet sport, ensure the equipment is right for you.
Final Takeaway
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis refers to the tearing of the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm. The condition can cause painful symptoms but can be managed effectively with a variety of treatments such as steroid injections, P-R-P, open surgery, arthroscopic surgery, etc.
You Can Consult the Expert Orthopedic Doctors at Simpain Ortho
To get an effective treatment for tennis elbow, one can consult the expert orthopedic doctors at Simpain Ortho. The expert orthopedic doctors will recommend treatment options such as painkillers, braces/splints, physiotherapy, ice therapy, open surgery, etc. One can visit Simpain Ortho for a range of orthopedic services such as knee replacement, hip replacement, spine surgeries, fracture surgery, arthroscopic surgery, ACL surgery, meniscus surgery, shoulder dislocation surgery, and Ankle Replacement Surgery in Delhi.
For more details on these orthopedic services or tennis elbow, visit Simpain Ortho today.
Note: Most insurances have tennis elbow treatment covered.
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