Concerned That You Have Tennis Elbow

By Roberta Levi Chase


The tissue attaching muscle to the bone is called a tendon. Several tendons exist in the elbow, some along the outside of the arm. Recurring motions similar to swinging a hammer, turning a plumber's wrench, or playing tennis may cause damage and irritation of the tendon. It is also possible to injure the tendon by over extending or over exerting it. The effect is pain from the elbow down the arm and is known has tennis elbow. The designation derives from the fact that many tennis players acquire the condition from swinging a racket. Lateral epicondylitis is the official name for the condition.

Tennis elbow is irritation, ache and pain the length of the elbow muscles. The tenderness travels from the outside of the elbow down the arm. The discomfort is usually more severe when grasping things, bending the wrist toward the bicep or turning the palm of the hand upward. The condition makes it difficult to clutch and pick up stuff. You may suffer problems shaking someone's hand, twisting a door knob or holding onto things.

Physical examination of the affected elbow is the most common method of diagnosis. Tenderness of the tendon when prodded is main signal. A doctor could request x-rays in order eliminate other possible causes of the pain.

You can put ice on a tennis elbow injury after it happens. You should keep the ice from bare skin. In addition, you want to apply ice for twenty minutes, and then take it off for ten. You can apply ice for 24 hours following the injury. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are good for pain management and controlling inflammation.

Treatments for tennis elbow include wearing braces and supports, cortisone injections, and physical therapy. The last resort for treatment is surgery to repair the muscle. The good news is that 90% of surgery patient's recovery full use of their arm.

The above publication is not offering medical treatments and is for information purposes only. You should consult a doctor for any physical injury. Visit emergency medical personnel upon injury.




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