Overview
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that results from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow. It is often linked to repeated motions of the wrist and arm, but can also occur without a clear cause. The pain is mainly felt where the tendons attach to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow and can spread into the forearm and wrist. Rest, pain medication, and physical therapy are often effective treatments, but in severe cases, procedures such as shots or surgery may be necessary. Tennis elbow is commonly associated with jobs like plumbing, painting, carpentry, and butchery, but can also be caused by activities such as playing racket sports, using plumbing tools, painting, driving screws, cutting up food, and using a computer mouse extensively.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can radiate into the forearm and wrist. The pain may worsen with movement or gripping objects. Some common activities that may cause or exacerbate tennis elbow symptoms include playing racket sports with poor form, using plumbing tools, painting, driving screws, cutting up foods for cooking, and using a computer mouse frequently. If self-care measures such as rest, ice, and pain relievers don't provide relief, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing tennis elbow include:
- Age: Tennis elbow affects people of all ages, but it's most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
- Work: People who have jobs that involve repeating motions of the wrist and arm are more likely to develop tennis elbow. This includes professions such as plumbers, painters, carpenters, butchers, and cooks.
- Certain sports: Playing racket sports increases the risk of tennis elbow, especially if proper form is not maintained or equipment is poor. Playing more than two hours a day also increases the risk.
- Other factors: Smoking, being obese, and certain medicines may also increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
Development
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, can develop due to overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow, particularly those involved in repeated motions of the wrist and arm. It is commonly linked to activities that involve repetitive motions, such as playing racket sports, using plumbing tools, painting, driving screws, cutting up food for cooking, and using a computer mouse extensively. Although it is called "tennis elbow," most people who develop the condition do not play tennis. Instead, they have jobs or engage in other activities that cause repetitive stress on the elbow. In some cases, the cause of tennis elbow is not well understood, and it can occur without a clear cause.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if tennis elbow symptoms persist despite self-care steps such as rest, ice, and pain relievers. Additionally, consult a healthcare provider if you experience elbow pain and tenderness that affects your daily activities.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tennis elbow typically involves a healthcare provider examining the affected area and assessing symptoms. Medical history and a physical exam are often sufficient to diagnose tennis elbow. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI may be needed to rule out other possible causes of the pain.
Management and Treatment
Prevention
While it may not be possible to completely prevent tennis elbow, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Every extra pound puts additional strain on your joints, increasing the risk of injuries and osteoarthritis.
- Staying in shape: Being physically fit can help strengthen the muscles in your elbow and reduce the risk of injury.
- Perfecting your technique: Ensuring that you use correct form and movement patterns during activities can help prevent overuse and strain on the muscles and tendons in your elbow.
- Stretching and flexibility exercises: Regular stretching can help maintain the flexibility of the muscles and tendons in your elbow, reducing the risk of injury.
- Using proper equipment: Using appropriate equipment and tools for your tasks, such as using a racquet with proper grip and technique during racket sports, can help reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow.
- Taking breaks: Avoiding prolonged or repetitive activities that strain your elbow can help prevent the development of tennis elbow.
- Warming up and cooling down: Engaging in proper warm-up exercises before participating in sports or activities can help prepare your muscles for the demands of the activity, while cooling down exercises afterward can help reduce the risk of injury. Remember that while these steps may help prevent tennis elbow, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider if you experience elbow pain and tenderness that doesn't improve with self-care measures like rest, ice, and pain relievers.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for tennis elbow may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also be helpful. In addition, physical therapy exercises and stretches can help strengthen the forearm muscles and alleviate symptoms. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if these treatments don't provide relief or if the pain interferes with daily activities.
Treatment
Rest, pain medicines, and physical therapy are often effective treatments for tennis elbow. If these treatments don't provide relief or if the symptoms interfere with daily activities, more invasive procedures such as injections or surgery may be considered.