Understanding Tennis Elbow and Its Treatment Options

Tennis elbow is a common condition that affects the outer part of the elbow and causes pain and discomfort. Overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons cause tennis elbow, and can create small tears in the tendon.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and difficulty gripping objects. The pain may worsen when gripping or lifting objects, or when twisting the forearm.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Overusing the forearm muscles and tendons, especially through repetitive motions like playing tennis, golf, or other racquet sports, causes tennis elbow. Activities such as typing, using scissors, or painting can also cause it.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Treatment options for tennis elbow include:

Rest: Resting the affected arm and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition can help promote healing.

Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling.

Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve strength and flexibility in the forearm muscles and tendons.

Bracing: Wearing a brace or forearm strap can help relieve pressure on the affected tendon.

Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the affected tendon.

Prevention of Tennis Elbow

Prevention of tennis elbow includes:

Using proper technique: Using proper technique during sports and other activities can help prevent overuse injuries.

Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles can help prevent tennis elbow.

Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises for the forearm muscles can help improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Rest: Taking breaks during repetitive activities can help prevent overuse injuries.

Ozark Orthopaedics Can Help

Tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the elbow. Treatment options include rest, ice, physical therapy, bracing, medication, corticosteroid injections, and surgery.

Finally, prevention of tennis elbow includes using proper technique, strengthening and stretching exercises, and taking breaks during repetitive activities.

If you are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, contact the orthopaedic experts at Ozark Orthopaedics by calling (479) 521-2752 today for expert diagnosis and treatment.