WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW?

WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW?

Tennis elbow is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the outer bony prominence (lateral epicondyle) of the elbow.

Tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players.

Any repetitive motion of the wrist, including tennis, hedge clipping, excessive use of a hammer or screwdriver, painting, or any activity that requires excessive constant gripping or squeezing can cause tennis elbow.

SYMPTOMS OF TENNIS ELBOW:

1-Tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

2-Morning stiffness of the elbow with persistent aching.

3-Soreness of the forearm muscles.

4-Elbow pain is worse when grasping or holding an object.

DIAGNOSIS :

1-Based on history and clinical examination.

2-X-ray images may be required if the symptoms suggest another problem in the elbow joint.

3-Nerve studies may be needed to look for entrapment of the radial nerve in the elbow joint (radial tunnel syndrome) if your symptoms continue despite aggressive treatment.

TREATMENT :

1-ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these do not produce the desired result, the physician may choose to begin a second line of therapy.

2-An elbow strap or splint may help take the pressure off the inflamed tendon.

3-A physical therapist may have a patient perform different exercises to increase flexibility and strength. These exercises are usually performed at home.

4-Corticosteroid injections can be made into the inflamed area.

5-Surgery is usually a last resort but is successful in relieving elbow pain in most people.

"" A vast majority of people have pain relief within 12 months of conservative therapy (ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications)""