As it is Wimbledon we thought we would use this week to focus on one of the most common conditions we see at the clinic, Tennis Elbow.
WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common problem that is felt on the outside of the elbow near the bony knob.
The pain comes from inflammation of the tendon fibres from overuse through repeated gripping motions.
DID YOU KNOW?
This condition is not restricted to only people who play tennis. Baseball players, gardeners, house or office cleaners, carpenters, mechanics and golfers can also get tennis elbow.
Both men and women can develop tennis elbow, and this condition typically occurs between the ages of 25 and 50. However people of all ages can get tennis elbow.
PAIN MAY OCCUR WHEN DOING ACTIVITIES LIKE:
· Shaking hands
· Turning doorknobs
· Picking up objects with your palm down
· Holding a racquet
· Hitting a backhand in tennis
· Swinging a golf club
· Pressing on the outside of the elbow
SYMPTOMS
· Pain, tenderness or burning sensation on the outside of the elbow
· Pain extending down the forearm
· Difficulty moving the elbow or wrist
· Inability to fully extend the elbow
· Weak grip strength
TREATMENTS
There are lots of treatments out there for tennis elbow and one size doesn't fit all, here we have listed some of those available by the results that have been proven by research studies.
Proven Results Mixed Results
Physiotherapy treatment Heat/Cold
Massage Wear a support
Stretches Steroid injection
Acupuncture Pain relief (Paracetamol/ibuprofen)
Exercises Kinesio Taping