Tennis Elbow: Information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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Tennis Elbow
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Tennis Elbow

• Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a
  condition where the outer part of the elbow
  becomes painful and tender, usually as a result
  of repeated strain, overuse, or trauma to the
  region.

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What are the causes of tennis elbow?

• Although called tennis elbow, lateral
  epicondylitis is also commonly seen in people who
  are over using their arm. It could equally well
  be called "golfer's elbow" or "mechanic's elbow"
  or "painter's elbow". The most common cause is
  the overuse of muscles that are attached to the
  elbow. This simply refers to all those muscles
  that pull the hand backwards. All extensor
  muscles of the hand attach to the elbow at the
  outer part (the lateral epicondyle). If they are
  strained or overused, they become inflamed, which
  means they become swollen, painful, and hence
  tender to touch.Regular massages could be one
  of the most important aspects in avoiding a
  situation like this, although you could never
  really guarantee that such a situation may not
  arise either ways too. Sometimes the inflammation
  is caused by a direct injury. Sometimes, when the
  cause is direct injury or strain, the muscles are
  partially torn.

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Symptoms

• The outer part of the elbow is rather painful
  and tender to touch. Movements of the elbow that
  involve lifting, with the hand on top can hurt
  badly. Any sport, from badminton, to tennis, to
  golf involves both the massive movement of the
  wrist and the complete arm. The elbow is one such
  part which is most often neglected and once
  affected takes a rather long time to heal.

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How tennis elbow is diagnosed?

• Your doctor or physiotherapist may test for
  tenderness in the muscles attached to the elbow.
  He also tests to see whether the pain gets any
  worse when you bend the wrist back (extend it)
  against resistance. Diagnostic tests like an
  X-ray, ultrasonography and MRI may also be done.
  An X-ray may show signs of fracture and arthritis 
  which may be causing the problem. MRI and
  sonography are done to see whether there is a
  build-up of fluid in the tender area and also the
  amount of swelling present in the affected area.
  These tests however are expensive, and hence are
  avoided.

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Treatments

• Rest is advised to most of the affected patients.
  The activity that caused the problem is also best
  avoided till the pain recedes.
• Physiotherapy treatments like ice packs and
  ultrasound therapy helps in many cases.
• Use of anti-inflammatory drugs and ordinary pain
  killers (analgesics) are given to ease the pain.
• Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small
  dose of steroid to the affected area. If used, it
  can last for up to three months.
• Lastly, you can buy a brace from a sports shop or
  pharmaceutical supplier, which can be helpful.
  This is probably largely because it reduces the
  amount you can use your elbow, hence protecting
  it from awkward movements.

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