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Tennis Elbow

The term "Tennis Elbow" does not mean that it can affect only those who play tennis. In fact, the term is no way connected with fun and games.

Tennis Elbow is known by its technical name "Lateral Epicondylitis" which refers to a painful condition of the outer part of the elbow as a result of overuse, strain or a direct blow. Apart from the pain on the forearm and elbow, the condition of Lateral Epicondylitis also involves inflammation of the small joint of the upper arm bone.

How does Tennis Elbow occur?

The pain usually occurs with injury or damage to the tendons (connective tissue bands) near the elbow. The muscles are attached with bones through tendons. The repeated stress and overuse lead to inflammation and degeneration of the tendons resulting in a painful condition called tendonitis which is the medical term for tendon inflammation. Tennis elbow is a type of tendonitis affecting a particular part of the elbow.

The cumulative stress on the tendons occur with the overuse of the wrist extensors (muscles pulling the hand up). The stress may cause damage to the muscle attachment and result in inflammation and pain. Sometimes the inflammation comes without any definite cause. Pain mostly occurs near the bone on the outer side of the elbow known as the lateral epicondyle. This area is usually tender to touch.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• The pain recurs on the outside of the upper forearm which is located just below the bend of the elbow. Sometimes pain spreads into the wrist.
• The outside of the elbow becomes painful usually during or after intense use.
• Pain occurs with lifting objects or bending the arm.
• Tennis elbow makes it difficult to extend the forearm completely due to inflammation of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• Weakness is felt on the wrist and grip becomes weak during particular activities such as shaking hands and twisting a doorknob.
• Pain occurs on the outside of the elbow while trying to straighten the fingers against resistance.

First aid for Tennis Elbow

Give rest to the elbow. Rest is important in the healing of the injury. Use R.I.C.E. treatment (Rest , Ice , Compression , Elevation) for the first two days.

See a doctor who can provide you with some anti-inflammatory medication for relief from pain. A cortisone injection is sometimes prescribed for relief from discomfort in chronic or severe cases.

Protect the tendon from further damage by wearing a brace or support when healing takes place.

Prevention of Tennis Elbow

Keep your palm facing your body whenever you are lifting objects. Do warm ups to prepare your muscles and tendons for sports or other strenuous activities. If you indulge in activities without doing this, your muscles and tendons may become tight and stiff. This may limit blood flow to forearm area leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the muscles. This may eventually lead to a muscle or tendon injury.

Go for strengthening exercises with hand weights.

Stretch elbow muscles before participating in stressful activity. Grasping the top part of your fingers and then gently but firmly pull them back toward your body. Extend your arm completely and keep your palm facing outward.

When to see a doctor?

• Call your doctor if your elbow becomes hot and inflamed causing fever.
• Call your doctor if your are unable to bend your elbow or if your elbow looks deformed.
• If you suspect that bones have broken after injury or fall, you must immediately call your doctor.
• If pain persists for more than a few days you should call your doctor because chronic inflammation of the tendons can cause disability forever.
• Call your doctor if the joints in your elbow start swelling. Though swelling rarely occurs due to the tennis elbow, it may be caused by another condition such as arthritis, gout, infection or even a tumor.

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