Understanding Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments
Doctor explains the causes, symptoms, and treatments for tennis elbow, a condition causing pain on the outside of the elbow. Discover when to see a doctor, self-care tips, and potential medical interventions.
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Topic Breakdown
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. This blog post will delve into the causes, symptoms, when you should see your doctor, and possible treatment options for tennis elbow.
Tennis elbow manifests as pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow. You might also experience pain in your forearm and the back of your hand. Typically, this condition arises after overuse or repeated action of the muscles in the forearm near the elbow joint. The pain can range from mild discomfort when using your elbow to severe pain even when your elbow is at rest. Notably, the pain tends to worsen with arm use, especially during twisting movements and repetitive wrist motions such as extending your wrist and gripping.
If you're suffering from tennis elbow, you will often feel pain on the outside of your elbow, which may travel down the forearm when lifting or bending your arm. Activities like gripping small objects, such as a pen, or twisting your forearms, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar, can exacerbate the pain. Additionally, you may experience pain and stiffness when fully extending your arm.
The duration of tennis elbow pain typically spans between six months and two years, with nine out of ten people making a full recovery within a year. The primary cause of tennis elbow is overuse of the muscles attached to your elbow that are used to straighten your wrist. When these muscles are strained, tiny tears and inflammation can develop near the bony lump on the outside of your elbow, known as the lateral epicondyle, which is why pain is commonly felt in that area.
Despite its name, tennis elbow isn't exclusive to tennis players. Any activity that places repeated stress on the elbow joint can lead to this condition. There is also a related condition known as golfer's elbow, which causes pain on the inner side of the elbow.
In terms of treatment, tennis elbow is often self-limiting, meaning it can get better without medical intervention. However, there are treatments that can alleviate symptoms and expedite recovery. First and foremost, rest your injured arm and avoid the activity causing the problem. Continuing to engage in the offending activity will only delay your recovery.
Applying a cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, to your elbow for a few minutes several times a day can help ease pain and reduce inflammation. Just ensure that you don't apply ice or heat packs directly to your skin without a covering to avoid skin damage. Use the compress for about 15 minutes every couple of hours.
Wearing a special tennis elbow strap, clasp, splint, or brace to support your forearm during activities that exacerbate the pain can also be beneficial. These supports, sometimes called epicondylitis clasps, are available at chemists and sports shops. I've included links in the video description to purchase these items online.
Painkillers like paracetamol (Tylenol in the US) can help reduce mild pain, and anti-inflammatory medications can also be useful in reducing inflammation. Always read the information leaflet on the medicine pack to ensure it's suitable for you. Ibuprofen, in particular, is available as a gel that can be applied directly to the painful area.
Physiotherapy can also be an effective treatment. Massaging and manipulating the affected area can help relieve pain and stiffness, and improve the range of motion in your arm. As a last resort, surgery might be considered.
So, when should you see your doctor? If the pain in your elbow doesn't subside after a week or two of complete rest and despite using treatments like icing, over-the-counter painkillers, and wearing a support, it's time to consult a doctor. Your doctor will check for swelling and tenderness, and may perform simple tests such as stretching out your fingers and flexing your wrist while your elbow is stretched out. If nerve damage is suspected, further tests like an ultrasound scan might be necessary.
For more information on tennis elbow, check out the description box of the video where I've included lots of useful information and links. If you've experienced tennis elbow and have tips to share, please leave them in the comments section of the video to help others who are watching.
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