subject: What are the symptoms of tennis elbow? [print this page] What are the symptoms of tennis elbow? What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is the more common name for the medical condition termed lateral epicondylitis'. It is the most common injury for patients seeking attention for elbow pain. The cause tennis elbow is unknown, but is likely due to small tears of the group of extensor tendons that attach to the elbow. The pain with tennis elbow usually starts with discomfort that progressively gets worse but it may also come on suddenly.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Patients with tennis elbow experience pain on the outside of the elbow that is made worse by gripping objects and extending the wrist back. The other most common symptoms of tennis elbow are pain when lifting objects and pain radiating down the forearm.
Who gets Tennis Elbow?
The majority of tennis elbow cases are between the ages of 35 and 65 years old, and it equally affects men and women. Tennis elbow occurs in a dominant arm about 75 percent of the time. Racquet sport players and hence the name tennis' elbow are more likely to develop this condition. About a third of regular tennis players experience tennis elbow at some point in their lifetime. In addition to racquet sports, tennis elbow is seen in golfers, fencers, and other sports participants in which grasping is used. Non sport related cases are commonly seen as well. People who work with their hands on a day to day basis are at a greater risk for developing tennis elbow. Jobs that may lead to tennis elbow include plumbers, painters, gardeners, carpenters and other jobs that require repetitive arm/hand motions.
When should you Go See a Doctor?
Elbow pain that persists beyond a few days
Inability to carry objects or use your arm
Elbow pain that occurs at night or at rest
Inability to straighten or flex your elbow
What is the Treatment for Tennis Elbow?
There are several available treatments for tennis elbow. These usually start off conservatively and if that is unsuccessful more involved treatments can be explored . Non-surgical treatment is successful in over 90 percent of the time.
What Can Physical Therapy do for Tennis Elbow?
Physical Therapy can help remodel the damaged/irritated tendons through a variety of techniques including:
Manual therapy- hands on contact- through a variety of techniques including transverse friction massage, active release to the extensor muscles, myofascial release and more..
Modalities including:
Ultrasound, light therapy and cold laser
Cryotherapy/Heat and Electrical Stimulation-
Kinesiotape- increase circulation to the overused extensor muscles of the forearm, helping to reduce inflammation. It also reduces the activation signals to these muscles, allowing them to relax and recover
Stretching and strengthening exercises to the extensor muscles to prevent stiffness and help strengthen the muscles to prevent future episodes or flare ups.
Other Options:
Elbow Brace
An elbow orthosis, called an elbow clasp or counter brace, can be worn. This will redirect the pull of misaligned muscles and as a result also helps reduce pain when worn during activity.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications are often used to help control pain and inflammation.
Cortisone Injections
If these conservative measures fail, a steroid (cortisone) injection is a reasonable option. If a person has tried more than two cortisone injections without relief, it is unlikely that additional injections will benefit the patient.
Surgery
Last resort option, when all other conservative measures fail to provide any moderate relief.
