Tennis Elbow
Clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, this is a condition that is usually presented as pain around the outside of the elbow.
Other symptoms may include;
- Pain on palpation of the structures on the outside of the elbow.
- Pain with lifting heavy objects, such as a kettle, coffee mug or grocery bags.
- Pain with gripping – such as hand-shaking or even holding a pen.
- Pain with twisting your forearms – such as turning the car key or a door handle.
Causes
This is usually caused by the repetitive movement, or overuse, of the muscles that surround the elbow and that are used to move the wrist.
As the name suggests, it is a common tennis injury, but it is also referring to any activity that puts repeated stress on this area.
Treatment
Tennis elbow may get better without treatment, but this can take six months to 18 months to resolve. However, there are certain things to do for symptom management and/or to speed up recovery.
Initially, choose to rest from the aggravating activity in order to allow the inflammation to settle. Follow this with individual exercises that are appropriate. You can have guidance from our Physiotherapists.
You could also try holding a cold compress to the area and try taking some pain-relief or anti-inflammatory medications.
*Please check with your healthcare provider for treatment or management advice.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4990766/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955315000910