What is a Tennis elbow? What are the Symptoms and Treatment?

1. What is a Tennis elbow? What are the Symptoms and Treatment? Tennis elbow also technically called as lateral epicondylitis is a condition that is commonly caused due to the over use and repetitive use of the arm. As the name suggests it’s commonly seen in athletes playing racquet sports. However it can be caused due to other sports and activities. The bony bump on the outside of the elbow joint undergoes damage and inflammation thus called epicondylitis on the lateral side. The repetitive use of the arm causes continuous contraction and relaxation of the muscles which lead to over use. This causes an inflammation of the tendons which attach to the bone. Repeating the same motion again and again will thus lead to pain and tenderness at the outer part of the elbow. Tennis elbow is typically represented by pain, swelling, weakness of muscles and reduces optimal performance in athletes if not treated properly. Risk Factors: Athletes – As mentioned earlier racquet ball players are prone to suffer from lateral epicondylitis due to the nature of the sport which causes monotonous and vigorous use of forearm muscles. Painters, plumbers and carpenters are other demographic population with risk of developing lateral epicondylitis over time. Recent studies put butchers and auto rickshaw drivers also at risk due to the nature of their job. Symptoms: Pain with wrist extension Tenderness at the outside region of the elbow Weak grip strength

2. Reduced Treatment: The main stay of treatment for lateral epicondylitis is conservative management. Surgical intervention is needed only if conservative management fails and in more severe cases. Conservative Management includes: Rest – Stop all vigorous activities and sports to rest out the inflammation and PRICE. Use of brace aids in supporting the forearm thus reducing the symptoms. NSAID and Steroid Injections – NSAIDS or Non-Steroid Anti Inflammatory and prescribed during the early stages to help reduce pain and inflammation. Steroid injections given in moderate to severe chronic cases where other conservative measures had little to no success. Physiotherapy: The most important and majority of cases are conservatively managed with the help of PT. Different techniques are used in PT that include but not limited to LASER, Ultrasound, manual therapy, dry needling and exercises. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments in the long term management of lateral epicondylitis. Some of the examples of exercises performed are given below but should be carried out only after consulting a professional to avoid worsening of symptoms.

3. 1.Hand Grip exercise used during the acute to sub-acute phase. Used to activate the forearm and wrist muscles. 2.Wrist Flexion and extension stretches: Used during the sub-acute to chronic stages of management. Hold each position for 20-30 seconds * 3 sets.

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