What is tennis elbow?

[ Sport Injury Exercise ]

What is tennis elbow?
Tendonitis of the elbow is often referred to as tennis elbow due to its common occurrence in tennis players, but in fact any sport or activity that requires gripping can cause this problem. A more precise definition of Tennis elbow is that it is an inflammation of several structures of the elbow. These include muscles, tendons, bursa, periosteum, and epicondyle (bony projections on the outside and inside of the elbow, where muscles of the forearm attach to the bone of the upper arm). This condition is also called epicondylitis, lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, where pain is present at the inside epicondyle. Such pain is usually more noticeable during or after stressful use of the arm. In sever cases, lifting and grasping even light things may be very painful.


Symptoms
Individuals experiencing tennis elbow may complain of pain and tenderness over either of the two epicondyles. This pain increases with gripping or rotation of the wrist and forearm. If the condition becomes long-standing and chronic, a decrease in grip strength can develop.

However, pain is the most common and obvious symptom associated with tennis elbow, and is most often experienced on the outside of the upper forearm, but can also be experienced anywhere from the elbow joint to the wrist.

Weakness, stiffness and a general restriction of movement are also quite common in sufferers of tennis elbow. Even tingling and numbness can be experienced.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when their is damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the elbow joint and forearm. Small tears, called micro tears, form in the tendons and muscles which control the movement of the forearm. They cause a restriction of movement, inflammation and pain. These micro tears eventually lead to the formation of scar tissue and calcium deposits.

If untreated, this scar tissue and calcium deposits can put so much pressure on the muscles and nerves that they can cut off the blood flow and pinch the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles in the forearm. Often this happens during a backhand stroke in racket sports, especially if the stroke technique is poor. Another cause is overuse of the muscles in a repetitive way. Examples of this are prolonged use of a screwdriver.


Prevention

A thorough warm up will help to prepare the muscles and tendons for any activity to come. Without a proper warm up the muscles and tendons will be tight and stiff. There will be limited blood flow to the forearm area, which will result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the muscles. This is a definite recipe for a muscle/ tendon injury.

Having flexible muscles and tendons is extremely important in the prevention of most strain or sprain injuries. When muscles and tendons are flexible and supple, they are able to move and perform without being over stretched. If however, your muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, it is quite easy for those muscles and tendons to be pushed beyond their natural range of movement. When this happen strains, sprains, and pulled muscles occur.
Treatment
Treatment may include stopping or limiting activities that cause the pain, such as heavy lifting with the palm facing down. Sometimes a band wrapped around the forearm near the elbow is used to protect the injured muscles as they are healing. In some cases, the wearing of a wrist splint may be recommended for the same purpose.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen may be given for pain. Injections of cortisone may also be used to relieve the pain. A tennis elbow band may be advised.

In severe or long-lasting episodes, an injection of medication into the area may relieve the discomfort. Your hand surgeon may recommend exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles to help prevent the condition from returning. Some patients respond to additional treatment through therapy. As the condition improves, there is usually a slow return to normal activities. Recurrence of this condition is common.

If no surgical forms of treatment do not eliminate the pain of this condition, surgery may be recommended. Your hand surgeon can advise you on the surgical treatments for lateral epicondylitis and the possible outcomes. Lateral epicondylitis is often a nagging or chronic condition sometimes requiring many months for healing to occur.

AZMIL MUSTAPHA