Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles in the forearm to the outside of the elbow. It is a common condition that affects people who participate in activities that involve repetitive use of the wrist and hand, such as tennis, golf, and weightlifting.
The symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Pain that gets worse with gripping or using the hand
- Weakness in the hand and forearm
If you think you have tennis elbow, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The diagnosis of tennis elbow is usually made based on the patient’s symptoms and physical examination. The doctor may also order an X-ray or MRI to rule out other possible causes of elbow pain.
Treatment
Fortunately, tennis elbow can often be treated successfully with conservative measures. Treatment options may include:
- Rest and Activity Modification
One of the initial steps in treating tennis elbow is to rest the affected arm and avoid activities that exacerbate the condition. This may mean taking a break from sports, work tasks, or hobbies that involve repetitive arm movements. Resting the affected arm allows the damaged tendons to heal and reduces further irritation. - Ice and Compression
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth and apply it to the outer elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Compression bandages or braces can also provide support and reduce strain on the tendons. - Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a crucial component of tennis elbow treatment. A physical therapist can develop a customized exercise program to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. These exercises can help alleviate pain and prevent future episodes of tennis elbow. - Medications
Your healthcare provider may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered directly into the affected area to provide temporary relief from severe pain and inflammation. - Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment option that uses shockwaves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. ESWT has shown promising results in reducing pain and promoting tendon healing in some cases of tennis elbow. - Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the affected area. PRP therapy can help stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain in some individuals with tennis elbow. - Surgical Intervention
In cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for tennis elbow include tendon repair or release procedures. Surgery is typically reserved for severe and persistent cases that have not responded to other treatments.
Prevention
Preventing tennis elbow involves taking steps to reduce the risk of overuse and strain on the forearm. Some preventive measures include:
- Warm up properly before exercising.
- Stretch your forearm muscles regularly.
- Using proper equipment and technique in sports and activities
- Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks
- Strengthening the forearm muscles through exercises
- Using ergonomic tools and equipment when possible
If you have any pain in your elbow, we encourage you to make an appointment to see Dr Sara Safari at Warrandyte Road Clinic to get a diagnosis and treatment.
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