Tennis Elbow Treatment

“Tennis elbow” is a common term for a condition in which the overuse of an arm, forearm, and hand muscles causes elbow pain. While those who do not play tennis can come down with this condition, it is known to be a significant problem for regular tennis players. Tennis elbow most commonly affects the dominant arm, but it can also occur in the non-dominant arm or both arms. Tennis elbow is caused by the injury of the muscle and tendon area around the outside of the elbow. “Golfer’s elbow” is a similar condition that occurs on the inside of the elbow. Overuse is the most common reason for both conditions.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain that slowly increases around the outside of the elbow. Pain noticeably worsens when shaking hands or squeezing objects (such as a tennis racket or golf club). Pain can also be made worse by lifting objects with the wrist or even using a toothbrush or knife in which the wrist is used but stabilized during the activity. Tennis elbow is generally diagnosed by the description of pain that people describe to their doctors. Surgery is typically not needed, but forms of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, topical cortisone gels, and cortisone injections are very effective tennis elbow treatments.

Physicians who specialize in minimally invasive procedures are favorites among those who suffer from tennis elbow. They will use a thorough examination to diagnose and specifically pinpoint the source of each patient’s problem. By being open with your physician about your goals for treatment, a customized treatment plan can be developed to treat your symptoms and get you back to your active lifestyle. The sooner you seek treatment for your tennis elbow, the easier it will be to find relief.

Posted on behalf of Ortho Sport and Spine

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