Tennis Elbow

What is the “Tennis Elbow” and how can it be treated?

What doctors know as epicondylitis, we commonly call it “tennis elbow”, a term that is widely used, however, only a small group of people diagnosed have suffered from this as a result of playing tennis. The tennis elbow is a common injury that can be cured with a minor treatment, but we must give it proper rest and rest.

What causes ?

Tennis elbow is an injury caused by the excessive use of repetitive effort. Any activity that presses the muscles around the elbow over and over again can cause it. Also, there is a version for golfers called “golfer’s elbow”.

In tennis, hitting backhand exerts some pressure on the forearm muscles, which contract repeatedly when you hit the ball. If you have a poor technique or if you hold the racket with too much force, the tension may increase in those tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm with the elbow, achieving that it may have small tears. Tennis is a game of repeated hits and the more you do it, the greater the possibility of getting the tennis elbow.You can get it from other racquet sports, such as squash or racquetball, also from jobs or activities that involve repetitive arm movements, such as:

 

  • Woodwork
  • Cutting trees (repetitive use of a chainsaw)
  • Playing some types of musical instruments.
  • Paint
  • Butchers, cooks and assembly line workers are among the groups that receive it often.

How is the tennis elbow diagnosed?

To diagnose tennis elbow first the doctor will review your health and lifestyle history. Then, he will examine the elbow and arm to detect pain, swelling or stiffness; In the same way you can perform movements in the arm, elbow, wrist and fingers. The doctor may order an x-ray or MRI of your arm, these tests help ensure that you do not have a break or fracture.

What are the treatments for tennis elbow?

There are different things you can do at home to help relieve pain and swelling:

  • Rest your arm avoiding the movement that caused the condition.
  • Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that reduces swelling, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin.
  • Apply an ice pack at the elbow for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 times a day.
  • Wrap your elbow in a compression bandage.
  • Do gentle stretching exercises several times a day.
  • Try to change your equipment or sports technique.
  • Try to change your habitat, work or work habits.

When this type of treatment is not enough to alleviate the pain or disability that your elbow causes, in Sugarloaf Pain and Rehab we have the equipment and personnel to help you.

Sugarloaf Pain & Rehab has professionals trained in the area of ​​health, which are constantly expanding their knowledge and skills through education and research, to incorporate innovative techniques to the healing process. Our main objective is to provide quick, lasting relief with minimal discomfort; in the same way educate our patients about practices that promote their health in general.