Lateral epicondylosis is often called tennis elbow. It’s a painful issue affecting the wrist and arm tendons. This happens when these tendons are overused. It isn’t just tennis players who get it. Anyone who uses their wrist and arm a lot can have this problem. Let’s look at the symptoms, causes, and diagnosing this condition. We’ll also discuss a possible treatment with stem cells.
Key Takeaways:
- Lateral epicondylosis, or tennis elbow, comes from overusing the wrist and arm tendons.
- It’s not only for tennis players. Anyone who moves their wrist and arm a lot can suffer from this.
- Spotting and treating it early is key to stop more harm and to heal.
- There are different treatments available, from taking care of yourself to surgery.
- Stem cell therapy is being looked at as a new treatment for it.
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylosis, mainly shows with pain and tenderness on the elbow’s outer side. But there are more signs too. These issues can make daily tasks hard and should be taken care of quickly to avoid more harm and help in healing.
Pain and Tenderness: The key sign of tennis elbow is feeling pain and tenderness on the elbow’s outer part. This gets worse when you use your forearm and elbow, like moving things, holding onto items, or even during handshakes.
Stiffness: Besides pain, tennis elbow may bring stiffness in the forearm or elbow. This makes moving the elbow well tough. It affects daily life and your arm’s range of motion.
Weakness: Having weaker muscles in the forearm is a big sign of tennis elbow. It’s harder to hold things or do activities needing wrist and hand power.
Numbness and Tingling: Sometimes, there’s numbness and tingling in the forearm, hand, or fingers. This might mean nerves are involved. It’s a sign not to overlook.
Spotting these signs early and getting the right treatment is key to managing tennis elbow well. A full plan that eases pain, lowers swelling, boosts strength, and speeds up healing is your best bet.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
When patients show signs of tennis elbow, doctors use several tests to be sure and suggest the right treatment. They start with a detailed check-up. Here, the doctor checks for pain and how well you can move the affected arm.
To confirm tennis elbow and see if other issues are present, doctors might order X-rays. X-rays check for fractures or arthritis. MRIs and ultrasounds show doctors the soft tissues, like tendons, to see if they’re damaged.
For some, simple steps can help, like rest, using cold on the elbow, or taking over-the-counter pain meds. They also suggest exercises to make your arm muscles stronger. This can help lower swelling, ease pain, and stop the condition from getting worse.
Many find help through physical therapy. Here, patients do special exercises that boost arm strength and flexibility. Therapists might also use warm or cold treatments and ultrasound to lessen pain and aid recovery.
Bracing or taping your arm can offer support and cut down on the pressure on the tendons. These steps can make your joint steadier, reduce pain, and help it heal.
Sometimes, if other treatments don’t work, your doctor might suggest injecting corticosteroids. These shots can quickly lower pain and swelling. But remember, these shots are not a long-term fix and can have side effects.
If nothing else works and your elbow still hurts, surgery might be necessary. During surgery, the damaged tendon is fixed. But this is usually done only when pain is very bad and affects your daily life.
Treatment Options at a Glance
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-care measures | Rest, ice, over-the-counter pain medication |
| Physical therapy | Exercises, modalities, stretching |
| Bracing or taping | External support for the affected forearm |
| Corticosteroid injections | Direct delivery of anti-inflammatory medication |
| Surgery | Removal of damaged tendon tissue and repair |
Choosing the right treatment for tennis elbow depends on how bad it is and your unique needs. A tailored plan is key for the best results and a full recovery.
Conclusion
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, can really slow you down. It makes moving your arm painful and tough. Getting diagnosed early and the right treatment is key to stopping it from getting worse.
For treatment, what you do depends on how bad it is. Taking a break, using ice, and taking painkillers you can buy without a prescription can help. Physical therapy strengthens your arm and makes it more flexible.
If it’s really bad, your doctor might suggest shots or even surgery. But, there’s also a newer option – stem cell therapy. This treatment is showing promise in elbow care. Knowing about these steps can help you feel better, move your arm easier, and enjoy life more.