Tennis Elbow

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is a medical term for inflammation of the tendons outside the elbow that connect with the forearm muscles outside the elbow. Playing tennis and racquet sports most commonly leads to this condition, and not surprising people outside athletic professions are prone to its risks.

When the forearm muscles are overused due to repeated motions carried out forcibly, they lead to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow symptoms worsen as the person ages, and this condition is progressive by nature.

Most people develop tennis elbow due to their respective professions which include heavy weightlifting or repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm while rare cases of tennis elbow causes are said to be unknown.

You can learn how to treat tennis elbow at home through self-care tips like taking sufficient rest, using ice packs and over-the-counter pain reliever. However, a cure for tennis elbow will depend on its diagnosis by a certified doctor and a physical examination.

Imaging tests and X-rays may be done if your doctor thinks something else is the cause. Common tennis elbow causes improve on their own with self-care measures and proper tennis elbow exercises, however, severe cases of this medical condition require extensive surgery.

The tennis elbow treatment includes medications, tennis  elbow physiotherapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and surgical procedures.

Types of Tennis Elbow

According to tennis elbow definition, there are three types of tennis elbow conditions based on the category of pain the patient feels. They are:

• Muscle Pain – Knots in any of the six different muscles attached to the bones of your elbow contribute to a tender pain.
• Tendon – Inflammation or microscopic wear and tear in the tendons where they attach to the bones of the elbow.
• Nerve Pain– Pressure on the radial nerve which runs from your neck through the armpit leads to tennis elbow nerve pain.

What Are Some of the Tennis Elbow Causes?

According to medical statistics, tennis elbow affects people between the ages of 30 to 50. Some cases of tennis elbow are rare in people where the causes are unknown or medically termed as ‘insidious.’ Here are some of the other causes of tennis elbow in patients:

• Contracting the forearm muscles which are used to lift the hand and the wrist repeatedly. This leads to a series of microscopic tears in tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bony area of your elbow on the outside.
• Use of improper striking technique in tennis and similar racquet-based sports such as badminton and squash or the use of faulty sports equipment
• Typing on the computer without breaks and any activities which involve fine motor movements such as drawing, painting, using the scissors, etc.
• Manual physical work which involves heavy weightlifting or the repetitive use of tools like the shears in gardening or rollers in decorating
• Any other activities which involve repeatedly bending the elbow such as playing musical instruments like the violin and throwing sports like javelin and discus.
• Using the forearm muscles after a long period

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

The primary method of tennis elbow diagnosis is through a physical examination by the doctor in the clinic where he asks you to straighten your wrist and fingers with your arm fully straight to look for signs of pain.

Common questions related to your medical history, recreational sports activity and occupational factors may be asked. Your doctor may additionally ask you to undergo the following diagnostics to rule out other possible causes of tennis elbow symptoms-

• X-Ray Scans– X-rays are used to rule out arthritis and bone disease by rendering clear images of dense structures like bones
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – MRI scans are used to pinpoint issues related to herniated disks or finding out whether there’s any arthritis in the neck. These conditions are known for developing arm pain.
• Electromyography (EMG) – Electromyography (EMG) is used for determining any causes of nerve pain through the diagnosis of any symptoms of nerve compression diagnosis.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis elbow is a self-limiting condition which means mild symptoms may go away on their own, given rest and time. Severe cases of tennis elbow may lead to surgical procedures and invasive treatments. The different tennis elbow treatment options are-

• Medication – Your doctor may prescribe you tennis elbow relief medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers such as paracetamol for dealing with mild pain caused by tennis elbow. You may be prescribed topical NSAIDs as creams , tablets, or gels and be advised to use them in conjunction with tennis elbow remedies at home like stopping any activities which worsen the pain.
• Physical Therapy – Your doctor may refer you to a certified healthcare professional or a physiotherapist for tennis elbow home treatment. These healthcare professionals use manual therapy techniques like massaging and manipulation to improve blood flow to your forearm muscles. Additionally, tennis elbow exercises are demonstrated to teach proper use of the forearm muscles, tennis elbow stretches, and how to prevent injuries. Short-term physiotherapy treatments may entail the use of orthoses like braces, bandages or splints for effective treatment.
• Steroid Injections – According to tennis elbow definition, steroid injections are a type of medication containing a manmade version of cortisol which are used for treating musculoskeletal issues. These are typically administered with the use of local anaesthesia for numbing pain.
• Surgery – Surgical procedure is the last resort when all other tennis elbow treatment options fail and the condition progresses from mild to severe.

When Do You Need Us?

The cure for tennis elbow lies in physical therapy for tennis elbow which involves doing gentle exercises and massages to improve blood flow to your forearm muscles and tendons wrapping around your elbow.

If you’ve always wanted to find out which is the best treatment plan based on your needs and require an in-home diagnosis, you can reach out to us.

How Can We Help

Our physiotherapists visit your home and kickstart your treatment plan by first diagnosing your condition and seeing the degree of damage. Based on our experts’ diagnosis, a customised tennis elbow treatment plan is designed according to your needs coupled with  appropriate physio for tennis elbow for tennis elbow treatment at home. Exercises performed the wrong way may worsen symptoms, and this is where our physiotherapists come to play and intervene.

With Portea, you’re not just getting tennis elbow physiotherapy; you’re gaining a partner in your journey to recovery and well-being. We also offer a range of superior healthcare services, including doctor consultations, medical equipment, nursing home care, and dedicated caretakers. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

Summary

Tennis elbow treatment at home is made possible with our expert professionals and many people move on to lead fully functional lives and resume normal physical activity after an ascertained period of time.

Certain lifestyle modifications may be required, however, for those who go under the knife for invasive treatment procedures or surgery.

Meet Our Renowed Physiotherapists

• Dr.CHINTHA LAKSHMI PRIYA – BPT – 6 years experiences
• Dr.Neha Suhas Kulkarni – MPT- 4.5 years experiences
• Dr.L Swarna Harini-MPT/BPT – 6YEARS Experience
• Dr. Hari Prasad M – MPT – 4 YEARS Experience.
• Dr. Ramya Deepika.C.C -MPT -7 YEAR Experience

References

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tennis-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20351987
• https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/
• https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis#1
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_elbow

FAQ’s

What is the typical recovery time for tennis elbow?

Taking an extended break from the activity that led to the issue facilitates the healing of small tears in the tendon. While improvement may be noticeable within a few weeks, complete tendon healing may require 6 to 12 months.

How can tennis elbow be quickly treated?

Tennis elbow may improve naturally, but if pain relievers and self-care strategies prove ineffective, the next consideration might be physical therapy. In cases where traditional treatments fall short, procedures like injections or surgery could be options for addressing persistent tennis elbow.

Which foods can exacerbate tennis elbow?

Processed foods, rich in sugar and unhealthy fats, have the potential to amplify inflammation and worsen symptoms of tennis elbow. Steer clear of sugary snacks, fast food, and packaged meals. Opt for whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains instead.

Which exercise is most effective for addressing tennis elbow?

Tennis Elbow Exercises

• Stretching Fingers with a Rubber Band
• Improving Grip
• Performing Downward Wrist Stretches
• Wrist Curls (Palms Up and Palms Down)
• Elbow Curls (Palms Up and Palms Down)
• Optional Forearm Pull
• Optional Forearm Twist

Can yoga be beneficial for those experiencing tennis elbow? 

The numerous advantages of yoga, applicable to both individuals with tennis elbow and others, encompass enhanced muscle strength and tone, increased flexibility, and improved balance.