Lateral epicondylitis, often called tennis elbow, is a sore condition caused by too much use of the elbow tendons. It isn’t just for tennis players. It can bother anyone who does a lot of the same wrist and arm movements. Signs of tennis elbow are pain and soreness on the outside of the elbow. There may also be a feel of not moving well, weak forearm muscles, and pins-and-needles in your arm, hand, or fingers.
Doctors diagnose tennis elbow through a physical exam. They might also use X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to see the damage in the tendons. To treat tennis elbow, you have many options. These range from simple tricks like resting and using ice, to more complex treatments like physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
One exciting treatment for tennis elbow is stem cell therapy. It’s a modern way to treat the issue without big surgeries. Plus, it’s designed to fit each patient’s needs perfectly.
Key Takeaways:
- Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is caused by overuse of the tendons in the elbow.
- Anyone who engages in repetitive wrist and arm movements can develop tennis elbow, not just tennis players.
- Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain, tenderness, stiffness, weakness in forearm muscles, and numbness or tingling in the forearm, hand, or fingers.
- Diagnosis involves a physical examination and may include imaging studies to confirm inflammation or tears in the tendons.
- Treatment options range from self-care measures to physical therapy, bracing or taping, corticosteroid injections, and surgery.
- Stem cell therapy offers a non-invasive and customized approach to treating tennis elbow.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis, known as tennis elbow, brings several symptoms. These can really change how someone lives each day. Being able to spot these symptoms early is key. It helps in getting the right treatment soon.
Main Symptoms
Elbow pain on its outer side is a big sign of this condition. The pain gets worse with certain activities. These include holding things, lifting heavy stuff, or doing jobs that use your arm a lot.
Stiffness in the arm or elbow is common too. This might make moving your arm harder than usual. You might also find your grip not as strong due to weakness in your forearm muscles. For some, there’s even a feeling of numbness or tingling in their hand or fingers.
Diagnosis
Getting a tennis elbow diagnosis needs a close check by a health expert. They will look for signs like inflammation or tenderness by the lateral epicondyle. It really helps to share your complete medical history. Plus, describe your symptoms as detailed as possible.
Tests like X-rays or MRIs may be needed. These help to exclude similar conditions. They also show if there are tendon issues in the elbow. This helps to confirm the diagnosis the right way.
If you suspect you have tennis elbow, it’s important to seek help. Quick treatment can avoid more serious problems. Speaking with a health professional is a great first step.
| Symptoms | Significance |
|---|---|
| Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow | Indicates inflammation and overuse of the tendons |
| Stiffness in the forearm or elbow joint | Limits range of motion and can affect daily activities |
| Weakness in forearm muscles | Affects grip strength and ability to perform tasks |
| Numbness or tingling in forearm, hand, or fingers | May indicate nerve involvement and require specialized treatment |
Treatment Options for Lateral Epicondylitis
There are many ways to treat lateral epicondylitis. The first step is usually self-care. This means resting, icing the area, using pain relievers, and doing exercises. These steps help reduce pain and support healing.
Physical therapy is also great for this condition. It involves specific exercises to make the forearm muscles stronger. It also boosts wrist and arm flexibility, helping them work better. Bracing or taping the tendon can also make it stronger and allow it to heal.
Sometimes, doctors recommend corticosteroid shots to calm down the area and lessen pain. But these shots are usually short-term fixes. They’re not a long-lasting solution. Surgery comes very last, when all else fails to relieve the pain.
An exciting new treatment is stem cell therapy. This method uses the body’s own cells to heal. It is tailor-made for each person, giving targeted care. Stem cell therapy is showing great promise in healing lateral epicondylitis without surgery.