What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis causing pain in the elbow and arm region. Tendonitis involves swelling of the tendons. The pain resulting from Tennis Elbow can limit the range of motion and strength of the sufferer, affecting all activities completed by the injured arm. There are various causes of Tennis Elbow, which typically involve a repetitive gripping action. While Tennis Elbow causes pain and discomfort, there are various treatments available that enable the sufferer to return to normality.
What can Cause Tennis Elbow?
While the name suggests that Tennis Elbow is caused from playing tennis, this is not always the case. Any action that involves a repetitive motion of the arm and elbow can cause the microscopic tissue tears that present as Tennis Elbow.
These activities can include sporting games such as weightlifting, tennis, fencing or squash, or other work and recreational actions performed in typing, painting, raking, knitting or building.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow presents as pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. The bony part of the elbow is where the tendons connect to the bone, often the centre of pain.
You may have Tennis Elbow if you experience pain in that area when:
– Making a fist or gripping an object such as a tennis racket
– Raise your hand
– Lift something
– Perform repetitive motions such as ironing
– Shake hands with someone
Tennis Elbow is different to Golfer’s Elbow where the pain is more centralised to the inside of the elbow and arm. To distinguish which condition you have, it is important that you visit a physiotherapist.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow can be treated in a number of ways including the following:
– Icing the affected area, which can reduce pain and swelling.
– Performing specific targeted exercises which may assist to improve your range of motion thereby increasing flexibility.
– Physiotherapy Treatment. Your physiotherapist is able to provide manual therapies and exercises to assist in the recovery from Tennis Elbow.
– Medications and Injections including anti-inflammatories or painkillers may assist Tennis Elbow.
Additionally, some people have steroid injections to ease pain or swelling. Always consult your doctor before starting a new medication.
No-one should endure ongoing pain and inconvenience. Life is too short. Contact us now to make a physiotherapy appointment or call NDPE on 02 9874 8410.
