Tennis elbow is a painful condition affecting the elbow tendons. It happens when the tendons are overworked by repetitive wrist and arm movements. You don’t have to play tennis to get it. It can happen to anyone who does activities with these movements.
One may feel pain and tenderness on the elbow’s outer side with tennis elbow. There might also be stiffness, weakness in the forearm, and sometimes numbness. These problems can make it hard to do daily tasks.
To diagnose tennis elbow, a doctor will do a physical exam. They might also use X-rays, MRI, or ultrasounds. These tests check for tendon inflammation or tears and help rule out other problems.
The treatment for tennis elbow depends on how bad it is. For mild cases, rest, applying ice, and using pain relief from the store might be enough. Doing physical therapy and exercises to make your forearm muscles stronger can also help.
If it’s more serious, a doctor might suggest corticosteroid injections to lessen the pain. If nothing else works, surgery might be needed to fix the tendons.
Key Takeaways:
- Tennis elbow is a painful condition that affects the tendons in the elbow.
- Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, stiffness, weakness, and sometimes numbness and tingling.
- Diagnosis is usually done through physical examination and imaging studies.
- Treatment options range from self-care measures to corticosteroid injections and surgery.
- Stem cell therapy is a newer treatment option that shows promise in providing non-invasive relief for tennis elbow.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful condition that affects the elbow’s outer area. The main symptom is pain around this part. The pain gets worse when you do things like grip, lift, or twist your arm.
You might feel tenderness on the outside of your elbow too. It can be sore and sensitive to touch. Sometimes, you might also feel your arm or elbow is stiff, making everyday tasks harder.
Weakness in the forearm is also a sign of tennis elbow. This can make holding things hard. Sometimes, it can lead to numbness or tingling in the forearm, hand, or fingers. These feelings can travel from your elbow down your arm.
Doctors diagnose tennis elbow by looking for signs of pain, inflammation, or tenderness during a check-up. They’ll also ask about your past injuries or activities. This helps them understand what might have caused the issue.
Sometimes, they might do tests like x-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to be sure. These tests show a detailed image of the elbow. They help exclude other problems and see tendon issues.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Dealing with tennis elbow means exploring different options. You might start with basic care or need more focused treatments. Let’s look at the treatments often suggested for tennis elbow:
- Rest is key when dealing with tennis elbow. Avoid activities that make it worse. This gives the tendons time to heal.
- Icing the elbow helps by reducing swelling and easing pain. Use an ice pack or wrap ice in a towel. Apply for 15-20 minutes a few times each day.
- Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain. Always follow the dosage on the label. If pain continues, see a doctor.
- Gentle exercises and stretches can make the elbow more flexible. This strengthens the forearm and helps prevent future issues. Always get advice from a physical therapist to do them right.
- Physical therapy can be vital for tennis elbow. It helps with exercises to build strength and function. Plus, it aims to lower pain levels.
- Wearing a brace or taping the forearm gives support. This can lessen tendon stress and aid healing.
- For severe cases, a doctor might suggest corticosteroid injections. These shots help cut down swelling and pain. They’re a temporary fix.
- If all else fails, surgery is an option. Surgeons might remove damaged tissue or fix torn tendons.
New Treatment Options
Stem cell therapy is a new way to treat tennis elbow. It uses the body’s own stem cells to heal and reduce swelling. Research shows it could be a promising option for non-invasive relief.
There are many ways to treat tennis elbow. Which one is best depends on your condition. See a healthcare pro to figure out the right treatment for you. By following their advice, you can get better and back to your usual activities.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a common problem that brings a lot of pain. Yet, if you catch it early and treat it right, you can avoid much of the harm.
Some simple care can help ease the pain temporarily. This includes resting, using ice, and taking over-the-counter pain meds. Physical therapy is also a great option. It aims to make your arm muscles stronger and helps you use your arm normally again.
To keep from getting tennis elbow, pay attention to how you use your arms. Always warm up before you start working hard. And make sure your arm muscles are strong. This will lower the chance of having this issue.
A recent method called stem cell therapy looks promising. It might solve the pain without surgery. This and other new treatments offer hope for lasting pain relief and better use of your arm.
If you think you have tennis elbow, don’t wait. See a doctor for a check-up and the right treatment. Remember, taking action early and treating it from every angle can help you feel better and avoid more damage.