Lateral Epicondylitis, otherwise known as tennis elbow, is a condition that is most commonly caused by overuse of the elbow and forearm. However an injury, such as a blow to the elbow, may also cause this condition. Lateral Epicondylitis is a painful condition where the tendons, that join the muscle in the forearm to the outer elbow joint, become inflamed, damaged, or torn. Tennis elbow may be treated medically or with surgery.
Lateral Epicondylitis is referred to as tennis elbow because it is a common injury among tennis players and other athletes who are involved in racquet sports. However tennis elbow can be caused by any type of repetitive action of the elbow and forearm, such as builders who commonly perform a screw driving action with their arm, and it is even seen in people who use computers extensively.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain in the outside of the elbow. This pain can be experienced when extending the arm, when lifting objects with your palm down and arm outstretched, or when rotating your wrist, such as turning a door knob. The pain may radiate into the forearm and top of the hand. The strength of the wrist and hand grip may become weak, and over time the pain increases
Treatment
Non Surgical
Treatment of tennis elbow usually involves non-surgical methods. Proper rest of the elbow, for two to four weeks, is important to allow the tendon time to repair itself. Often anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, will be prescribed. Physical therapy will involve special exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles, and ice packs can offer some relief from pain and swelling. If pain is severe and does not seem to be easing, steroid injections into the joint will provide relief of pain, however these injections only last a few months, and it is important to continue to rest the elbow.
Surgical
Surgical treatment of tennis elbow generally involves Mr. Durrant repairing the damaged muscle and tendon, and may involve reattaching the tendon to the bone. Recovery post surgery involves several months of physical therapy. The majority of patients experience excellent results from surgical treatment of tennis elbow. If you are experiencing elbow pain, Mr. Adam Durrant is able to offer an accurate diagnosis.
Please contact Mr. Adam Durrant for more information on tennis elbow or for additional resources on other elbow related injuries.