What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common term for a painful condition due to overuse of the elbow. Because of strenuous overworked muscles and tendons, pain regularly occurs in the forearm, elbow and wrist joints.

Most cases of tennis elbow are discovered in patients that don’t normally play the sport, so don’t feel alone if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below. In fact, many people with tennis elbow usually participate in work that requires repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle.

Symptoms

• Pain around the elbow joint increases and develops suddenly.
• Experience weak and unstable grip strength.
• Pain worsens when you squeeze an object, shake hands, or do simple tasks like holding a coffee cup or turning a doorknob.
• Experience pain when the wrist is forced straight and stabilized.
• Repetitive motions of the wrist and arm cause pain that usually lasts for 6-12 weeks.

Treatment

Tennis elbow cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or X-ray analysis. However, if you suffer from most of these symptoms, quickly perform an at home test. Stand behind a chair, place your hands on top of the chair back with your palms down, and try to lift the chair up. If this causes pain on the outside of your elbow, you most likely suffer from tennis elbow. If you experience pain following this test, allow your elbow to rest immediately and consult a joint specialist to determine a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Successful Treatments May Include:

• Physical Therapy
• Forearm Bracing
• Topical Anti-Inflammatory Gels
• Topical Cortisone Gels
• Cortisone Injections
• Rarely requires surgery

To help relieve the symptoms of pain try adopting a stretching and strengthening routine. Just remember that the right medical means can help maintain a healthy elbow to enjoy everyday routines once again.

If you think you may have tennis elbow and would like to experience relief, call (772) 288-2400.