Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the muscles of the forearm to the outside of the elbow.
It often occurs due to overusing the forearm muscles and tendons and those around the elbow joint.
Tennis elbow is also known as lateral elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis and is not necessarily related to tennis. However, tennis players often develop the condition because it stems from repetitive muscle use. Half of all tennis players will get tennis elbow in their career.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm, just below the bend of the elbow. Pain may also be felt further down the arm, towards the wrist.
Pain can occur when the individual lifts or bends the arm. It is also felt while performing basic actions, such as writing or when gripping small objects.
Tennis elbow can cause pain when twisting the forearm. This can be noticeable when turning a door handle or extending the forearm fully.
Causes
The cause of tennis elbow stems from repeating incorrect movements of the arm. This can lead to small tears in the tendon attachment at the elbow. In tennis, this translates to the repeated motion and force of hitting a ball with a racquet.
Incorrect technique can cause the power in the swing of a racquet to rotate through and around the wrist. This creates a movement on the wrist instead of the elbow joint or shoulder. This can increase pressure on the tendon and cause irritation and inflammation.
Tennis elbow is associated with the extension of the fingers and the wrist. This is the kind of movement that allows the person to “snap” or flick the wrist, such as during a racquet swing.
Other Causes
Despite the name, tennis elbow refers to any injury to this particular tendon caused by overuse. Tennis elbow can stem from daily activities such as:
using scissors
cutting tough food
gardening
sporting activities that involve high amounts of throwing
swimming
manual work that involves repetitive turning or lifting of the wrist, such as plumbing, typing, or bricklaying.
Sometimes, there is no apparent cause.
Treatment
Spine and joint care treats tennis elbow very effectively using traditional and contemporary methods.Manipulation is done in hypertension. One may hear the cracking sound during manipulation and relief is felt immediately following the manipulation.
Manipulation shortens the time required for recovery, and once the condition is cured, it does not recur.