|
 |
What Is Tennis Elbow?
 Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a form of tendonitis that occurs due to overuse of the elbow.
Although tennis is a leading cause of tennis elbow, there are many other causes that include playing sports (like squash, handball, bowling and golfing), painting, performing manual labor or playing musical instruments.
Tennis Elbow is typically most painful where the tendons of the forearm muscle attach to the bony point on the outside of the elbow.
Tennis Elbow pain can also spread further down your forearm into your wrist.
What Are The Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
 - Sharp pain in your elbow, especially after physical activity
- Severe pain when you bump or touch your elbow
- Difficulty gripping tightly
- Pain when you extend your wrist
- Pain that continues to worsen and can occur even when your elbow is not in use
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
 The pain of Tennis Elbow is caused by irritation and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bone on the outer side of the elbow.
The inflammation and irritation of Tennis Elbow is due to overuse and repeated contraction of the forearm muscles through repetitive action, and it will worsen if the joint is used without allowing the area to heal and recover fully.
Any repeated arm motions may lead to this painful condition, including:
- Playing sports such as tennis, squash, golf (golfer's elbow) or bowling
- Fly fishing
- Hammering
- Using a screwdriver, wrench or other tools with similar actions
- Raking
- Painting
- Playing musical instruments, especially common in guitarists, drummers, pianists, flautists and more
- Any occupation that involves repetitive use of the forearm and elbow and continued movement of this joint, these include dentists, carpenters, builders, painters, gardeners, musicians, and of course tennis players.
Why Is Proper Treatment Important?
If Tennis Elbow is not treated properly it can lead to excessive scarring of the tendon. This can cause severe chronic pain and result in a loss of mobility.
 It can also lead to other health conditions or ailments as your body tries to compensate for the pain. These side-effects can be even more painful and debilitating than the original Tennis Elbow.
Treating your Tennis Elbow before it turns into a chronic condition is essential for you to live a happy, pain-free life.
Fortunately, Tennis Elbow responds very well to certain treatments and it is possible to heal yourself in the comfort of your home without drugs or expensive physical therapy.
What Are My Treatment Options?
There are several therapies available that can help you treat your Tennis Elbow
- Heat & Cold Therapy
- Painkillers & Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- Surgery
- Cortizone Injections
- Physical Therapy (often using ultrasound)
- Braces and Splints
- Orthotics
- Ultrasound Therapy
Suffering From Recurring Tennis Elbow?
- The pain is preventing you from working or playing sports.
- You want to decrease your healing time.
- You've tried other treatments that have failed to produce results.
- You're having a hard time resting your elbow.
- Your Tennis Elbow makes you avoid doing the things you want to do.
Then you should consider Ultrasound Therapy
|
Please be very aware that this information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
