Lateral elbow tendinopathy, or tennis elbow, causes pain and swelling in the elbow’s outer tendons. It’s often due to repetitive use of the forearms, not just in tennis but many jobs. This happens when the forearm muscles and tendons are overused.
Activities involving strong, repeated wrist movements can worsen the condition. It’s more likely to happen in the arm you use the most.
Key Takeaways:
- Lateral elbow tendinopathy, also known as tennis elbow, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
- It is commonly caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons.
- The condition can affect not only tennis players but also individuals in various occupations.
- Forceful and repetitive wrist extension can aggravate the condition, and it often affects the dominant arm.
- Non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy and exercises are available, and in severe cases, stem cell therapy may be considered.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Non-surgical treatments help those with lateral elbow tendinopathy. They offer a way to deal with pain and promote healing without surgery. Here are some non-surgical methods that can work:
Rest and Activity Modification
Resting your arm is key for the tendons to repair. It’s also important to change how you do things. This means not doing things that make the pain worse, like frequent movements or actions that stress the muscles and tendons.
Bracing
Wearing a brace or splint can really help. It reduces strain on the tendons to help them heal. A well-fit brace works whether you’re active or resting.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is vital for healing lateral elbow tendinopathy without surgery. A therapist will create a special plan for you. This plan includes exercises to strengthen your arm and make it more flexible.
The exercises, like wrist curls and stretches, are to reduce pain and improve movement. Your therapist will make sure you do them right. This helps speed up your recovery.
Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, a doctor may give corticosteroid shots for ongoing pain. These shots reduce swelling and pain quickly. But, they are not for long-term use and have some risk.
Treatment Options Overview
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Rest and Activity Modification | Resting the affected arm and modifying activities to avoid aggravating symptoms |
| Bracing | Wearing a brace or splint to provide support and stability |
| Physical Therapy | Exercises and techniques designed to strengthen forearm muscles and improve flexibility |
| Corticosteroid Injections | Injection of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area |
The best treatment options can change depending on your situation. Your healthcare provider will help pick the right plan for you.
Stem Cell Therapy for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Non-surgical methods often don’t fix lateral elbow tendinopathy. In these cases, stem cell therapy can be a hopeful choice. It uses stem cells’ natural ability to heal and grow tissues.
One way stem cell therapy works is by injecting the patient’s own tenocytes. These are cells from the patient’s tendon. Another way is by using cells that look and act like tenocytes. These cells are made from the patient’s skin but act like tendon cells.
Other stem cells, taken from fat tissue or bone marrow, can also help. They turn into needed cell types for healing, including tenocytes.
Stem cell therapy’s big benefit is the chance for lasting relief and new tissue growth. But, remember to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help decide if this treatment is right for you.