Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis and lateral elbow pain, is a misnomer. You can get this condition even if you don’t play tennis. However, tennis players are susceptible to it due to repetitive use of arm muscles. It is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons near the elbow get injured or damaged. The tendons of the elbow get inflamed due to repetitive movements and stress.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

When you overuse the forearm muscles, which control the movements of the wrist and hands, the tendons can get strained or damage. Usually, when you use strong and jerky movements, like throwing, lifting or gripping something, the sudden impact strains the muscles. If this happens repeatedly, the tendons do not heal. Instead, they get permanently weak, leading to tennis elbow pain.

  • Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
  • Recurring pain just below the elbow. Pain can radiate to the wrist
  • Pain while lifting or bending the arm
  • Pain while writing or holding small items
  • Pain while twisting the forearm
  • Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Resting the arm is one of the best ways to treat tennis elbow. However, if tennis elbow pain is excruciating the physician may recommend ice pack, soft tissue massage, stretching exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs.

You can also visit a physical therapist or occupational therapist to help strengthen your upper arm, shoulder and abdominal muscles. This can reduce the chances of developing tennis elbow in the future. Muscle stimulating techniques also help the damaged tendon and muscles to heal.

Chiropractic care is also effective in treating tennis elbow pain. Chiropractors can use Graston Technique and Active Release Therapy.

Remember, without the right treatment, you will not get relief from tennis elbow pain nor will you be able to cure the condition.

Contact us at MedAmerica today to book an appointment to consult with our doctors. We have a team of highly skilled specialists who work together to help regain the joy of living without pain.