TENNIS ELBOW
Tennis elbow involves pain and soreness in the elbow due to problems with muscles and tendons around the joint and in the lower arm. In physical activity it is particularly common to players of racquet sports.
Symptoms
The elbow pain usually manifests gradually and increases over time, but may arise rapidly. It is worsened when gripping objects or shaking hands, and also exacerbated by placing force on the wrist when performing tasks such as opening jars, using cutlery, or lifting objects. You may experience tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, an attachment in the elbow joint that protrudes on the outside of the elbow. The joint might also be more inflexible in the morning.
Causes
Far fewer overall diagnoses are related to tennis than the name might suggest, however a significant proportion of serious players do develop the injury at some point. The condition generally afflicts people aged between 30 and 60, suggesting that age can be a factor. Any activity involving repetitive movement of the wrists, arms or elbows can put you at risk of tennis elbow if carried out for a long period of time. The name ‘tennis elbow’ refers to this hazard, relating to the repetitive swing of the racquet gradually causing small tears in the tendon at the elbow. Overuse is another common cause, resulting from exercising while the muscles are fatigued or weak. A rapid increase in your training program is another risk factor.
Treatment
Your doctor will need a description of the pain and other symptoms you are experiencing. They should conduct a physical exam and from the results will be able to make specific treatment recommendations. In rare cases this may involve surgery but more standard treatments are usually sufficient. There are methods of reducing the pain and swelling yourself, most importantly through resting the elbow. This means refraining from any activities that involve much bending of the joint as these are likely to worsen the injury. You should also ice the affected area, and take appropriate anti-inflammatory medication with the support of a doctor.
When the pain has been successfully diminished you should begin to slowly stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles and tendons. Seeking physical therapy from a professional may be beneficial.
Prevention
Being sensible and realistic concerning the amount of training you do is of paramount importance. Beginning training again too soon also increases the chances of the condition returning. Remain wary of activities that are liable to put strain on the elbow, and rest until you are sure that the injury has healed. Occasionally switch hands during repetitive activities if feasible. Always use the correct equipment when playing sports, and maintain a steady program of strengthening your arm muscles. Stretching the muscles in your back and shoulders will also add support to your arms during exercise. A counterforce brace, worn on the forearm, may be useful in distribu
For more details please contact:
Dr. Prateek Gupta (Senior Surgeon)
Arthroscopy Surgery Clinic
C2/5 Safdarjung Development Area (SDA),
Aurobindo Marg,
Telephones: +91 9810852876, +91 11 26517776
24 x 7 Helpline & Appointment: +91 9810633876
Email: sportsmedicinedelhi@yahoo.com,
sportsmedicineclinics@gmail.com
Website:http://www.sportsmedicineclinicdelhi.com/arthroscopy.htm,
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