Tennis Elbow Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

First of all, lateral epicondylitis, which is popularly known as tennis elbow, is the common starting point of the muscles that pull the elbow, tendon, and wrist backwards, and it is a disorder that can occur with repetitive stresses, traumas, injuries and abrasions that may occur in the area called the lateral epicondyle.

Tennis elbow is caused by overuse due to micro-traumas caused by excessive strain on this muscle tendon. Abrasion occurs as a result of trauma and stress accumulation at the attachment site of the tendon. Movements such as repetitive grips, chopping, painting, gripping movements and dressing styles can act as triggers for this disorder.

Trauma, that is, impact situations that may occur at the attachment site of the tendon in the elbow can cause it. Sudden movements in the muscles in that area can also cause this discomfort.

Tennis elbow is more common in athletes and individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. In addition, carpenters, plumbers, painters and housewives who do intense work, which are occupational groups where movements that force the wrist for more than 2 hours a day, can also suffer from this ailment.

What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

So, what are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

• The first symptom seen in people with tennis elbow is a pain that spreads from the protrusion on the outer edge of the elbow to the forearm.
• The pain felt when trying to lift the wrist backwards can also be a symptom of this ailment.
• Pain can be felt from the elbow to the wrist, especially when lifting items with a little weight, such as jugs and teapots.
• Apart from the pain extending from the elbow to the wrist, weakness in the arm muscles can also indicate this ailment.
• This pain, which can occur suddenly, compellingly and in a single move, can also occur as a result of long-term and continuous movements.
• This pain, which is of low intensity at first, will increase in a proportion depending on the strains and load-bearing over time.
• Even actions such as turning the doorknob, shaking hands or shaking hands, which can be seen in the later dimensions of this disorder, may begin to become unbearable.

How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?

First of all, someone who complains about these symptoms should see a specialist and tell a detailed story. A physical examination is then performed. If it is not enough, X-ray of the elbow, even procedures such as MRI and EMG may be required. This is how diagnosis is made.

If the symptoms are not very severe, solutions such as ice therapy, reduction in activities, interruption from sports or work and rest for a while will be effective. There are many elbows and braces that are effective in the healing of tennis elbow. The main purpose of these products is to reduce the load on the elbow.

Elbow straps can be used. If the pain still persists after more than 1 month, a steroidal injection may be needed in the area where the problem is. Physiotherapy in the form of a shock wave can be applied.

In addition to these, ultrasound and heat therapy may be an alternative. In addition, various exercises can be applied to strengthen and stretch that area. Treatment of most patients suffering from this ailment can be achieved with conservative methods. It should be reminded that if there is a situation such as no response to treatments for more than 6 months, conditions such as surgical consultation may also be requested.