What is Tennis Elbow?
TENNIS ELBOW has a name which suggests a connection to tennis but it can occur from various repetitive activities, not just sports. The common condition, also known as lateral epicondylitis, presents with pain on the outside of the elbow, often radiating down the forearm. It typically results from overuse and strain of the forearm muscles and tendons, especially those involved in gripping and wrist extension.
SYMPTOMS
Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
Pain may worsen with gripping, lifting or twisting movements.
Weakness in the hand and forearm.
Pain may radiate down the forearm.
Burning or aching sensation around the elbow.
CAUSES
Repetitive and forceful gripping or wrist extension movements.
Activities like tennis, racquetball, carpentry and typing can contribute.
Sudden injury to the elbow can also cause the condition.
TREATMENT
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Ice: Apply ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
Painkillers: Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Always consult your chemist.
Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch the forearm muscles, improve flexibility and correct technique.
Bracing: A brace can help support the elbow and reduce stress on the tendons.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation but long-term effectiveness may vary.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be considered if other treatments are ineffective.
When to see a doctor:
If symptoms don't improve with self-care measures.
If pain is severe or interferes with daily activities.
If you experience numbness or tingling in your fingers.
Tennis Elbow Case Study
By Andy Okwera
Rajinder Bhachoo's successful treatment of Tennis Elbow
When I first met Raj, he had suffered with his elbow for a year and his GP had attempted three steroid injections that were relatively unsuccessful. The GP had suggested a referral for surgery and Raj was keen to avoid this. So, I set myself a mission to sort his elbow and keep him away from the surgeon's knife! I diagnosed him with chronic lateral epicondylitis, alternatively known as Tennis Elbow.
Treatment included mobilising the joint at his elbow, releasing the tight muscles of his forearm and using acupuncture to reduce the sensitivity of the tissues of his forearm extensor tendon. I also included a programme of exercises and stretches. He made fairly good progress, but due to the long-term nature of the issue, things grumbled along slowly. The biggest improvement was when I used Shockwave Therapy to treat the chronically damaged tissues at the elbow. Raj then made a lot of progress. He continued his exercises and stretches and continued to improve. More importantly, after his treatment sessions, he did not need surgery.
Rajinder Discusses His Treatment
Rajinder told InterActv:
"My story is quite interesting. It is only recently that I remembered I had been playing a lot of tennis prior to my condition, but not in a normal tennis match – I had been playing tennis on my daughter Priya's Nintendo Wii! Before I visited Andy, my GP was talking about me needing an elbow operation. However, on my third treatment session with Andy, and after doing the exercises, and stretches, I could feel a vast improvement. Not only could I feel that the treatment was working, Andy also worked on my legs as he explained how everything in your body is connected. When I returned to see my doctor he was amazed that my Tennis Elbow condition had been successfully treated. Since Andy's treatment, I have not experienced any pain whatsoever, and I was very relieved that the operation was not needed. A great outcome!"
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LINK: Georgina Hollinrake is fundraising for Edale Mountain Rescue Team
