What is Tennis Elbow? Learn about its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Introduction:

Are you experiencing severe discomfort near your elbow? It could be a sign of tennis elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is another name for it in medical terminology. The tendons that connect your forearm, arm, and hand to your elbow get inflamed due to overusing those muscles, which causes this ailment. Pain and swelling result from minor tendons and muscle rips. If left untreated, lateral epicondylitis can result in chronic elbow pain. However, you can find relief with proper rest and a specialized tennis elbow treatment approach at the top orthopedic hospital in Hyderabad. In this blog, we will discuss the tennis elbow symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods at the best multispeciality hospitals in Hyderabad.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow injury is a common condition that affects the arm and causes chronic pain. It all starts with the forearm muscles and tendons connected to the upper arm at two specific points called epicondyles.

Initially, inflammation may strike the area around the Lateral Epicondyle. But the real culprit behind tennis elbow lies in the chronic changes of the extensor tendon. This condition occurs when the tendon undergoes wear and tear, causing changes in its collagen fibers and making it prone to injury.

As the body tries to protect itself, scar tissue forms and the tendon gradually thickens and becomes stiff. Unfortunately, the constant use of the affected tendon prevents it from fully healing, leaving it weak and causing ongoing pain.

What are the Real Causes of Tennis Elbows?

The name tennis elbow means you don’t think this pain only comes from playing tennis. While tennis plays a part, several factors contribute to the development of tennis elbow. These are:

• Repetitive Strain Injuries:

Repetitive motions involve straining the wrist or turning movements. Whether you’re a tennis player or wielding a hammer frequently, these activities can lead to sudden bouts of pain.

• Overuse:

Your elbow can only handle so much. Overusing it puts excessive pressure on the lateral epicondyle, resulting in tiny tears and inflammation. Over time, this weakens your wrist muscles, leading to more discomfort.

• Specific Activities:

If you engage in sports like tennis or find yourself lifting and gripping objects repeatedly, you’re at a higher risk for tennis elbow. Not just limited to athletes, this condition can also affect professionals in physically demanding trades.

In some cases, tennis elbow pain may occur if a heavy ball is hit or you have weak wrist and shoulder muscles.

What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

According to the top orthopedic specialist in Hyderabad, tennis elbow is commonly seen in men and women aged 30-50. Tennis elbow symptoms might get worse over time if neglected.

• The most obvious sign is pain and discomfort that can radiate down the forearm from the outside of the elbow. This pain is often felt when lifting or bending the arm.

• Another symptom is weakness in the affected arm, particularly when lifting heavy objects. This weakness results from repetitive strain on the tendons caused by activities such as sports or using certain equipment.

• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects is also common in individuals with tennis elbow. This can include struggling to hold a pen or twist a doorknob. Additionally, stiffness may be experienced when fully extending the arm.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek tennis elbow treatment. The top orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad can provide personalized treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and provide the best possible elbow pain relief.

What is the best tennis elbow treatment?

If you’re dealing with tennis elbow pain, you must know that it improves very slowly. But with the right tennis elbow treatment methods, you can speed up your recovery time. Here are some of the top non-surgical treatment options to consider:

• Rest and Ice: 

The top multispecialty hospitals in Hyderabad suggest that rest is crucial for healing tennis elbow pain. Avoid activities that aggravate the condition, like using a screwdriver or engaging in racquet sports. Applying ice or a cold compression wrap can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Physiotherapy: 

For the tennis elbow injury, strengthening the shoulder and wrist muscles is key for long-term care. A skilled physiotherapist can guide you through exercises that target these areas.

• Medications:

 Pain medications like paracetamol can effectively manage pain and inflammation. Topical aids, such as gels or creams, can also be applied directly to the affected area for relief. By consulting with the top orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad, you can get accurate treatment and earlier recovery.

• Injections: 

Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term pain and swelling reduction for tennis elbow pain. They’re commonly administered around the injured area where tendons connect to the bone.

• Surgery: 

Surgery may be necessary if there is severe and persistent pain. The top orthopedic hospital in Hyderabad may suggest an arthroscopic surgery, which is a minimally invasive option. Through the process, they can remove the damaged tissue.

No matter which treatment option you choose, consulting with a top orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad can ensure an accurate diagnosis and a faster recovery.

How to Prevent Tennis Elbow Pain?

• Master Proper Technique and Form:

Avoid overusing elbow muscles by consulting a professional for correct form and reducing stress on tendons and muscles.

• Take Adequate Rest:

Rest is crucial to avoid excessive pressure on muscles and tendons. If you feel discomfort, give your body the rest it needs.

• Strengthen Forearm and Elbow Muscles:

Regular exercises, like wrist flexion and extension stretches, can increase strength and improve flexibility for a complete range of motion.

Conclusion:

Tennis Elbow is a painful condition that can severely impact your daily activities. It’s important to pay attention to any pain in the elbow region and seek medical advice right away. You can get the correct diagnosis and treatment at the Best Multispeciality Hospitals in Hyderabad. Then you can continue to enjoy activities like Tennis without exacerbating your condition. Implementing healthy lifestyle habits like eating nutritious meals and adding exercises such as stretching and strengthening into your daily routine will help protect muscular and joint health and reduce the risks of developing other injuries. If you’re looking for a trusted medical facility that offers effective treatment plans for Tennis Elbow pain, Contact KBK Multispeciality Hospitals today!

FAQs

1. What do you mean by tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a form of injury that can result in pain and soreness near the elbow joint and is frequently brought on by repetitive motions or misuse of the forearm muscles. In rare instances, the discomfort may extend down the arm, making it challenging to go about your daily business.

2. What is the cause of elbow pain?

Overuse and damage to the elbow joint are two prominent causes of elbow pain. Repetitive motions from activities such as weightlifting, typing, or playing sports, can inflame the tendons or cause tiny breaks in the bone. In some cases, elbow pain is related to conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or nerve impingements.

3. Is elbow pain serious?

Elbow pain is not something to be taken lightly. Even though it might be a common disease, it can indicate a more significant underlying problem. If the pain persists for a long time or becomes worse with activity, it is crucial to contact a doctor. Numerous things, including overuse, accidents, and degenerative illnesses like arthritis, can result in elbow pain. Ignoring the pain could result in more serious issues like restricted range of motion, weakness, and nerve damage.

4. Does elbow pain need surgery?

Not all cases related to elbow pain require surgery. In reality, non-invasive treatments for elbow pain commonly include rest, medication, and physical therapy. Only in severe cases where all other treatments have failed can surgery be considered.

5. How long does tennis elbow last?

A variety of variables affect how long tennis elbow pain lasts. Such as the injury’s severity, how well it is treated, and the person’s general health. Tennis elbow may go away on its own in some cases after a few months, while in others it may last for years. Rest, physical therapy, and medicine are among the efficient treatments that can help reduce symptoms and hasten the healing process.