What are the symptoms of tennis elbow. How is tennis elbow diagnosed. What causes tennis elbow. Who is at risk of developing tennis elbow. What are the most effective treatments for tennis elbow. How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow. Can tennis elbow be prevented.

Understanding Tennis Elbow: An Overview of the Condition

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition isn’t exclusive to tennis players. It can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm movements, particularly those involving gripping or twisting motions.

The prevalence of tennis elbow is significant, affecting between 1% to 3% of the American population. It’s most common in individuals aged 30 to 50, regardless of gender. This condition typically develops gradually due to repetitive strain on the tendons, leading to inflammation, degeneration, and potential tearing.

Who’s at Risk for Developing Tennis Elbow?

While tennis players are indeed at risk, many other groups are susceptible to this condition:

• Athletes in sports like baseball, softball, bowling, fencing, and golf
• Manual laborers such as carpenters, painters, plumbers, and auto mechanics
• Professionals like dentists, chefs, and musicians
• Anyone who frequently performs tasks involving repetitive arm movements

Is tennis elbow limited to one arm? Typically, it affects the dominant arm, but in cases where both arms are used repetitively, bilateral tennis elbow can occur.

Decoding the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Recognizing the symptoms of tennis elbow is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. The onset of symptoms is usually gradual, with pain often worsening over weeks or months.

Key Symptoms to Watch For:

• Burning or pain on the outer elbow, potentially radiating to the wrist
• Pain when twisting or bending the arm
• Stiffness or discomfort when extending the arm
• Swelling and tenderness in the elbow joint
• Weakened grip strength

Do these symptoms intensify at certain times? Many individuals report that their pain worsens at night or during specific activities that involve gripping or twisting motions.

The Root Causes of Tennis Elbow Explained

Understanding the underlying causes of tennis elbow is essential for both prevention and treatment. The primary culprit is typically overuse and repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons.

How Does Tennis Elbow Develop?

1. Repetitive arm movements lead to muscle fatigue in the forearm.
2. As muscles tire, more stress is placed on the connecting tendon.
3. This overloading causes inflammation (tendinitis) and degeneration (tendinosis) over time.
4. In severe cases, the continued stress can result in tendon tearing.

Are there other ways tennis elbow can occur? While rare, some cases of tennis elbow can result from a sudden arm or elbow injury. In even rarer instances, individuals may develop idiopathic tennis elbow, where the cause is unknown.

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow: What to Expect

Accurate diagnosis of tennis elbow is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the condition and rule out other potential issues.

The Diagnostic Process:

1. Physical examination: The provider checks for pain, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow joint.
2. Medical history review: Questions about activities that may cause pain are typically asked.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to visualize the extent of tendon damage or rule out other conditions.

How does a doctor differentiate tennis elbow from other conditions? The location of pain (outer elbow) and specific movements that trigger discomfort are key indicators that help distinguish tennis elbow from conditions like golfer’s elbow or arthritis.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Tennis Elbow

While tennis elbow may improve on its own over time, several proven treatments can accelerate recovery and alleviate symptoms. The approach often begins with conservative methods and progresses to more intensive interventions if needed.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options:

• Rest and activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Bracing or support devices
• Physical therapy and exercises
• Corticosteroid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

What if conservative treatments don’t work? In cases where these methods fail to provide relief, surgical options may be considered. However, surgery is typically only recommended after at least six months of consistent non-surgical treatment.

The Road to Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery from tennis elbow is often a gradual process, and patience is key. The timeline can vary significantly depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.

Typical Recovery Timeline:

1. Immediate relief: Some treatments like NSAIDs or bracing may provide quick symptom relief.
2. Short-term recovery: With proper treatment, many people see significant improvement within 4-6 weeks.
3. Long-term healing: Complete recovery can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years in more severe cases.

How can you support your recovery process? Adhering to your treatment plan, practicing proper form in activities, and gradually reintroducing arm use are crucial steps in promoting healing and preventing recurrence.

Preventing Tennis Elbow: Proactive Measures

While not all cases of tennis elbow can be prevented, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce your risk of developing this condition.

Key Prevention Strategies:

• Proper technique: Ensure correct form in sports and work activities.
• Equipment adjustment: Use appropriately sized tools and sports equipment.
• Strength training: Focus on exercises that strengthen forearm muscles.
• Stretching: Regular stretching can improve flexibility and reduce strain.
• Ergonomic adjustments: Modify your work environment to reduce repetitive strain.

Can these prevention strategies help if you’ve already had tennis elbow? Absolutely. These measures are not only preventive but can also help maintain recovery and prevent recurrence in those who have experienced tennis elbow.

Living with Tennis Elbow: Adapting Your Lifestyle

For those dealing with tennis elbow, making certain lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life and support the healing process.

Practical Tips for Daily Living:

1. Use ergonomic tools and equipment when possible.
2. Take frequent breaks during repetitive activities.
3. Apply ice or heat therapy as recommended by your healthcare provider.
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques to manage any associated tension.
5. Maintain overall physical fitness while respecting your elbow’s limitations.

How can you stay active while recovering from tennis elbow? Focus on activities that don’t strain the affected arm, such as walking, lower body exercises, or non-impact cardiovascular workouts. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.

Understanding tennis elbow – its causes, symptoms, and treatment options – is crucial for anyone experiencing elbow pain or engaging in activities that put them at risk. By recognizing early signs, seeking prompt medical attention, and following appropriate treatment and prevention strategies, most individuals can effectively manage this condition and return to their normal activities. Remember, while tennis elbow can be frustrating and painful, with proper care and patience, a full recovery is often achievable.

What it is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis.

How common is tennis elbow?

Between 1% to 3% of Americans get tennis elbow. It’s most common in people ages 30 to 50 and affects all genders.

Who might get tennis elbow?

Anyone who regularly performs repetitive activities that vigorously use the forearms, wrists or hands can get tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can affect recreational and professional:

• Baseball and softball players.
• Bowlers.
• Fencers.
• Golfers.
• Tennis, squash, pickleball and racquetball players.

People who work in certain professions are also more prone to tennis elbow:

• Assembly line workers and auto mechanics.
• Butchers and chefs.
• Carpenters, cleaners, painters and plumbers.
• Dentists.
• Gardeners and landscapers.
• Manicurists.
• Musicians.

Does tennis elbow affect one arm or both arms?

Tennis elbow typically affects your dominant side. But depending on the type of repetitive activities, you may get tennis elbow in both arms.

What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition of the lateral (outside) epicondyle tendon, or outer part of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a condition of the medial (inside) epicondyle tendon, or inner part of the elbow. The medical term for golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis.

People with golfer’s elbow have inner elbow pain that radiates down the arm. They can also have finger numbness and tingling. Golfers can get tennis elbow, just as tennis players may get golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes tennis elbow?

Repetitive arm movements can cause your forearm muscles to get fatigued. A single tendon attaches this muscle to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle). As your muscle gets tired, the tendon takes more of the load. This overloading can cause inflammation and pain, known as tendinitis. Over time, this overloading can cause a degenerative condition known as tendinosis. Together tendinitis and tendinosis can then lead to tendon tearing.

Sometimes, a sudden arm or elbow injury causes tennis elbow. Rarely, people develop the condition for no known reason (idiopathic tennis elbow).

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually the result of overuse. Symptoms tend to come on slowly. Pain may get worse over weeks and months. Signs of tennis elbow include:

• Burning or pain on your outer elbow that may travel to your wrist (these sensations may get worse at night).
• Pain when twisting or bending your arm (for instance, to turn a doorknob or open a jar).
• Stiffness or pain when extending your arm.
• Swollen elbow joint that’s tender to touch.
• Weakened grip when you try to hold items like a racquet, wrench, pen or someone’s hand.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is tennis elbow diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to check for elbow joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Your provider may also ask about activities that can cause pain. To make a diagnosis, you may have one or more of these tests:

Management and Treatment

What are the complications of tennis elbow?

Pain from tennis elbow can make it hard to work or do physical activities. The condition can also affect your grip, which can make it difficult to grasp items. In general, tennis elbow doesn’t cause serious, long-term problems.

How is tennis elbow managed or treated?

Tennis elbow may get better on its own with little, if any, treatment. However, that recovery may take up to 18 months. Proven nonsurgical techniques exist that can accelerate your recovery. Nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments for tennis elbow include:

• Rest: You may need to stop or decrease activities for several weeks to give tendons time to heal.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®), may ease pain and inflammation.
• Braces: Your provider may recommend wearing a removable support brace called a counterforce brace. This tool takes tension off of tendons and muscles.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can strengthen forearm muscles and your grip. Massage, ultrasound or other muscle-stimulating techniques may help to reduce pain and improve function.
• Steroid injections: Injectable corticosteroids temporarily relieve joint pain and inflammation. These injections must be placed in the correct area, which is why many providers will perform these injections under ultrasound guidance.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that aid healing. During a (PRP) therapy injection, your provider removes a small amount of blood and separates platelets from other blood cells. Then they inject the concentrated platelets into the injured area under ultrasound guidance.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Sound waves can break up scar tissue. Afterward, blood flow to the damaged area improves.
• Minimally invasive tenotomy: Your provider may perform a minimally invasive procedure to remove degenerative tendon tissue from inside your tendon. This procedure (called TenJet) uses a needle device with high pressured saline to create suction and hydro-resect the degenerative tendon tissue. This may be an alternative to a larger surgical procedure.

If symptoms don’t improve after six to 12 months of nonsurgical therapies, your provider may recommend surgery, like an arthroscopic or open debridement of the tendon or a tendon repair. Surgery typically involves removing the injured tendon and muscle. Your provider replaces the damaged tissue with healthy tendon and muscle from a different part of your body. Recovery can take four to six months. Once you’ve had tennis elbow, you may need to wear a brace to keep symptoms from returning.

Prevention

How can I prevent tennis elbow?

These steps can help you avoid tennis elbow:

• Don’t push through pain. Pain is your body’s way of talking to you, and you need to listen. Pushing through pain can lead to damage to your tendon and potential tearing.
• Check equipment for proper fit. For example, stiff or loose-strung racquets may reduce stress on your forearm.
• Lift weights to strengthen forearms and wrist muscles.
• Stretch wrists and arms before starting work or an activity.
• Wear an elbow brace to keep symptoms from worsening.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have tennis elbow?

Approximately 95% of people with tennis elbow get better with nonsurgical treatments. Afterward, they can resume activities. It may take six to 18 months for symptoms to go away.

A small number of people need surgery. Between 80% to 90% of people who get tennis elbow surgery see their symptoms improve within one year.

Living With

When should I call the doctor?

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty moving your arm, extending it or holding items.
• Red, swollen joints, or a bump or bulge on your elbow.
• Severe pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Why did I get tennis elbow?
• What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
• What changes should I make to manage symptoms?
• What changes should I make to prevent the problem from happening again?
• Should I watch for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Anyone who does activities or a job that requires repetitive arm motions (extending and bending) can get tennis elbow. See your healthcare provider if bending and straightening your arm causes pain or your outer elbow is tender to touch. Your provider can offer suggestions to reduce pain and inflammation. Rarely, people with tennis elbow need surgery. With proper treatment, you can safely return to the work or activities you enjoy pain-free.

What it is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis.

How common is tennis elbow?

Between 1% to 3% of Americans get tennis elbow. It’s most common in people ages 30 to 50 and affects all genders.

Who might get tennis elbow?

Anyone who regularly performs repetitive activities that vigorously use the forearms, wrists or hands can get tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can affect recreational and professional:

• Baseball and softball players.
• Bowlers.
• Fencers.
• Golfers.
• Tennis, squash, pickleball and racquetball players.

People who work in certain professions are also more prone to tennis elbow:

• Assembly line workers and auto mechanics.
• Butchers and chefs.
• Carpenters, cleaners, painters and plumbers.
• Dentists.
• Gardeners and landscapers.
• Manicurists.
• Musicians.

Does tennis elbow affect one arm or both arms?

Tennis elbow typically affects your dominant side. But depending on the type of repetitive activities, you may get tennis elbow in both arms.

What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition of the lateral (outside) epicondyle tendon, or outer part of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a condition of the medial (inside) epicondyle tendon, or inner part of the elbow. The medical term for golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis.

People with golfer’s elbow have inner elbow pain that radiates down the arm. They can also have finger numbness and tingling. Golfers can get tennis elbow, just as tennis players may get golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes tennis elbow?

Repetitive arm movements can cause your forearm muscles to get fatigued. A single tendon attaches this muscle to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle). As your muscle gets tired, the tendon takes more of the load. This overloading can cause inflammation and pain, known as tendinitis. Over time, this overloading can cause a degenerative condition known as tendinosis. Together tendinitis and tendinosis can then lead to tendon tearing.

Sometimes, a sudden arm or elbow injury causes tennis elbow. Rarely, people develop the condition for no known reason (idiopathic tennis elbow).

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually the result of overuse. Symptoms tend to come on slowly. Pain may get worse over weeks and months. Signs of tennis elbow include:

• Burning or pain on your outer elbow that may travel to your wrist (these sensations may get worse at night).
• Pain when twisting or bending your arm (for instance, to turn a doorknob or open a jar).
• Stiffness or pain when extending your arm.
• Swollen elbow joint that’s tender to touch.
• Weakened grip when you try to hold items like a racquet, wrench, pen or someone’s hand.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is tennis elbow diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to check for elbow joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Your provider may also ask about activities that can cause pain. To make a diagnosis, you may have one or more of these tests:

Management and Treatment

What are the complications of tennis elbow?

Pain from tennis elbow can make it hard to work or do physical activities. The condition can also affect your grip, which can make it difficult to grasp items. In general, tennis elbow doesn’t cause serious, long-term problems.

How is tennis elbow managed or treated?

Tennis elbow may get better on its own with little, if any, treatment. However, that recovery may take up to 18 months. Proven nonsurgical techniques exist that can accelerate your recovery. Nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments for tennis elbow include:

• Rest: You may need to stop or decrease activities for several weeks to give tendons time to heal.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®), may ease pain and inflammation.
• Braces: Your provider may recommend wearing a removable support brace called a counterforce brace. This tool takes tension off of tendons and muscles.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can strengthen forearm muscles and your grip. Massage, ultrasound or other muscle-stimulating techniques may help to reduce pain and improve function.
• Steroid injections: Injectable corticosteroids temporarily relieve joint pain and inflammation. These injections must be placed in the correct area, which is why many providers will perform these injections under ultrasound guidance.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that aid healing. During a (PRP) therapy injection, your provider removes a small amount of blood and separates platelets from other blood cells. Then they inject the concentrated platelets into the injured area under ultrasound guidance.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Sound waves can break up scar tissue. Afterward, blood flow to the damaged area improves.
• Minimally invasive tenotomy: Your provider may perform a minimally invasive procedure to remove degenerative tendon tissue from inside your tendon. This procedure (called TenJet) uses a needle device with high pressured saline to create suction and hydro-resect the degenerative tendon tissue. This may be an alternative to a larger surgical procedure.

If symptoms don’t improve after six to 12 months of nonsurgical therapies, your provider may recommend surgery, like an arthroscopic or open debridement of the tendon or a tendon repair. Surgery typically involves removing the injured tendon and muscle. Your provider replaces the damaged tissue with healthy tendon and muscle from a different part of your body. Recovery can take four to six months. Once you’ve had tennis elbow, you may need to wear a brace to keep symptoms from returning.

Prevention

How can I prevent tennis elbow?

These steps can help you avoid tennis elbow:

• Don’t push through pain. Pain is your body’s way of talking to you, and you need to listen. Pushing through pain can lead to damage to your tendon and potential tearing.
• Check equipment for proper fit. For example, stiff or loose-strung racquets may reduce stress on your forearm.
• Lift weights to strengthen forearms and wrist muscles.
• Stretch wrists and arms before starting work or an activity.
• Wear an elbow brace to keep symptoms from worsening.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have tennis elbow?

Approximately 95% of people with tennis elbow get better with nonsurgical treatments. Afterward, they can resume activities. It may take six to 18 months for symptoms to go away.

A small number of people need surgery. Between 80% to 90% of people who get tennis elbow surgery see their symptoms improve within one year.

Living With

When should I call the doctor?

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty moving your arm, extending it or holding items.
• Red, swollen joints, or a bump or bulge on your elbow.
• Severe pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Why did I get tennis elbow?
• What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
• What changes should I make to manage symptoms?
• What changes should I make to prevent the problem from happening again?
• Should I watch for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Anyone who does activities or a job that requires repetitive arm motions (extending and bending) can get tennis elbow. See your healthcare provider if bending and straightening your arm causes pain or your outer elbow is tender to touch. Your provider can offer suggestions to reduce pain and inflammation. Rarely, people with tennis elbow need surgery. With proper treatment, you can safely return to the work or activities you enjoy pain-free.

What it is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis.

How common is tennis elbow?

Between 1% to 3% of Americans get tennis elbow. It’s most common in people ages 30 to 50 and affects all genders.

Who might get tennis elbow?

Anyone who regularly performs repetitive activities that vigorously use the forearms, wrists or hands can get tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can affect recreational and professional:

• Baseball and softball players.
• Bowlers.
• Fencers.
• Golfers.
• Tennis, squash, pickleball and racquetball players.

People who work in certain professions are also more prone to tennis elbow:

• Assembly line workers and auto mechanics.
• Butchers and chefs.
• Carpenters, cleaners, painters and plumbers.
• Dentists.
• Gardeners and landscapers.
• Manicurists.
• Musicians.

Does tennis elbow affect one arm or both arms?

Tennis elbow typically affects your dominant side. But depending on the type of repetitive activities, you may get tennis elbow in both arms.

What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition of the lateral (outside) epicondyle tendon, or outer part of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a condition of the medial (inside) epicondyle tendon, or inner part of the elbow. The medical term for golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis.

People with golfer’s elbow have inner elbow pain that radiates down the arm. They can also have finger numbness and tingling. Golfers can get tennis elbow, just as tennis players may get golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes tennis elbow?

Repetitive arm movements can cause your forearm muscles to get fatigued. A single tendon attaches this muscle to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle). As your muscle gets tired, the tendon takes more of the load. This overloading can cause inflammation and pain, known as tendinitis. Over time, this overloading can cause a degenerative condition known as tendinosis. Together tendinitis and tendinosis can then lead to tendon tearing.

Sometimes, a sudden arm or elbow injury causes tennis elbow. Rarely, people develop the condition for no known reason (idiopathic tennis elbow).

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually the result of overuse. Symptoms tend to come on slowly. Pain may get worse over weeks and months. Signs of tennis elbow include:

• Burning or pain on your outer elbow that may travel to your wrist (these sensations may get worse at night).
• Pain when twisting or bending your arm (for instance, to turn a doorknob or open a jar).
• Stiffness or pain when extending your arm.
• Swollen elbow joint that’s tender to touch.
• Weakened grip when you try to hold items like a racquet, wrench, pen or someone’s hand.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is tennis elbow diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to check for elbow joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Your provider may also ask about activities that can cause pain. To make a diagnosis, you may have one or more of these tests:

Management and Treatment

What are the complications of tennis elbow?

Pain from tennis elbow can make it hard to work or do physical activities. The condition can also affect your grip, which can make it difficult to grasp items. In general, tennis elbow doesn’t cause serious, long-term problems.

How is tennis elbow managed or treated?

Tennis elbow may get better on its own with little, if any, treatment. However, that recovery may take up to 18 months. Proven nonsurgical techniques exist that can accelerate your recovery. Nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments for tennis elbow include:

• Rest: You may need to stop or decrease activities for several weeks to give tendons time to heal.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, including ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®), may ease pain and inflammation.
• Braces: Your provider may recommend wearing a removable support brace called a counterforce brace. This tool takes tension off of tendons and muscles.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can strengthen forearm muscles and your grip. Massage, ultrasound or other muscle-stimulating techniques may help to reduce pain and improve function.
• Steroid injections: Injectable corticosteroids temporarily relieve joint pain and inflammation. These injections must be placed in the correct area, which is why many providers will perform these injections under ultrasound guidance.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that aid healing. During a (PRP) therapy injection, your provider removes a small amount of blood and separates platelets from other blood cells. Then they inject the concentrated platelets into the injured area under ultrasound guidance.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy: Sound waves can break up scar tissue. Afterward, blood flow to the damaged area improves.
• Minimally invasive tenotomy: Your provider may perform a minimally invasive procedure to remove degenerative tendon tissue from inside your tendon. This procedure (called TenJet) uses a needle device with high pressured saline to create suction and hydro-resect the degenerative tendon tissue. This may be an alternative to a larger surgical procedure.

If symptoms don’t improve after six to 12 months of nonsurgical therapies, your provider may recommend surgery, like an arthroscopic or open debridement of the tendon or a tendon repair. Surgery typically involves removing the injured tendon and muscle. Your provider replaces the damaged tissue with healthy tendon and muscle from a different part of your body. Recovery can take four to six months. Once you’ve had tennis elbow, you may need to wear a brace to keep symptoms from returning.

Prevention

How can I prevent tennis elbow?

These steps can help you avoid tennis elbow:

• Don’t push through pain. Pain is your body’s way of talking to you, and you need to listen. Pushing through pain can lead to damage to your tendon and potential tearing.
• Check equipment for proper fit. For example, stiff or loose-strung racquets may reduce stress on your forearm.
• Lift weights to strengthen forearms and wrist muscles.
• Stretch wrists and arms before starting work or an activity.
• Wear an elbow brace to keep symptoms from worsening.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have tennis elbow?

Approximately 95% of people with tennis elbow get better with nonsurgical treatments. Afterward, they can resume activities. It may take six to 18 months for symptoms to go away.

A small number of people need surgery. Between 80% to 90% of people who get tennis elbow surgery see their symptoms improve within one year.

Living With

When should I call the doctor?

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty moving your arm, extending it or holding items.
• Red, swollen joints, or a bump or bulge on your elbow.
• Severe pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Why did I get tennis elbow?
• What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
• What changes should I make to manage symptoms?
• What changes should I make to prevent the problem from happening again?
• Should I watch for signs of complications?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Anyone who does activities or a job that requires repetitive arm motions (extending and bending) can get tennis elbow. See your healthcare provider if bending and straightening your arm causes pain or your outer elbow is tender to touch. Your provider can offer suggestions to reduce pain and inflammation. Rarely, people with tennis elbow need surgery. With proper treatment, you can safely return to the work or activities you enjoy pain-free.

Tennis elbow – NHS

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow.

It’s clinically known as lateral epicondylitis.

It often happens after overuse or repeated action of the muscles of the forearm, near the elbow joint.

You may notice pain on the outside of the elbow, which may travel down the forearm when:

• lifting or bending your arm
• when gripping small objects, such as a pen
• when twisting your forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar

You may also find it difficult to fully extend your arm.

Read more about the symptoms of tennis elbow

What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually caused by overusing the muscles attached to your elbow and used to straighten your wrist. If the muscles are strained, tiny tears and inflammation can develop near the bony lump (the lateral epicondyle) on the outside of your elbow.

As the name suggests, tennis elbow is sometimes caused by playing tennis, but any activity that puts repeated stress on the elbow joint can cause it.

Pain that occurs on the inner side of the elbow is known as golfer’s elbow.

Read more about the causes of tennis elbow

When to see a GP

You should avoid the activity that is causing the pain until your symptoms improve.

If the pain in your elbow does not go away after a few days of rest, visit a GP.

The GP will check for swelling and tenderness, and carry out some simple tests, such as stretching out your fingers and flexing your wrist while your elbow is stretched out.

If the GP thinks the pain is due to nerve damage, further tests, such as an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan, may be done.

Treating tennis elbow

Tennis elbow will get better without treatment (a self-limiting condition), but there are treatments that may improve symptoms and speed up recovery.

You should rest your injured arm and stop any activity that’s causing the problem.

Holding a cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, against your elbow for a few minutes several times a day can help ease the pain.

Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol, may help reduce mild pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also be used to help reduce inflammation.

Physiotherapy may be recommended in more severe cases. Massaging and manipulating the affected area may help relieve the pain and stiffness, and improve the range of movement in your arm.

Surgery may be used as a last resort to remove the damaged part of the tendon.

Tennis elbow can last between 6 months to 2 years, but a full recovery is made within a year in 9 out of 10 cases.

Read more about how tennis elbow is treated

Preventing tennis elbow

It’s not always easy to avoid getting tennis elbow, for instance if it was caused by something you do at work. Not putting too much stress on the muscles surrounding your elbow will help prevent the condition from getting worse.

If your tennis elbow is caused by a sport such as tennis or other activity that puts a repeated strain on your elbow joint, changing your technique may ease the problem.

Read more advice about preventing tennis elbow

Who’s affected by tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a common condition that affects about 1-3% of the population (about 4 to 7 cases per 1000) every year.

It’s the most common cause of persistent elbow pain, accounting for two-thirds of cases. It affects women and men equally, and those affected are mostly between the ages of 35-54.

Page last reviewed: 10 November 2020
Next review due: 10 November 2023

Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis

With tennis elbow, some patients will find that their symptoms go away spontaneously within a year. For others, both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available. Non-surgical treatments will almost always be considered first.

These can include:

• Activity modification: Initially, the activity causing the condition should be limited. Modifying grips or techniques, such as use of a different size racket in tennis, may relieve the problem.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications may help alleviate the pain.
• Brace: A tennis elbow brace, a band worn over the muscle of the forearm just below the elbow, can reduce the tension on the tendon and allow it to heal.
• Physical therapy: Stretching and/or strengthening exercises, ultrasound, or heat treatments may help the pain.
• Steroid injections: A steroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected into the area.
• Autologous blood injections (ABI) or platelet rich plasma (PRP): This includes withdrawing blood from an uninjured site and reinjecting it into the area of the lateral epicondyle. This therapy is a major focus of new research and offers some promise.

Surgery is only considered when the pain is incapacitating and has not responded to other treatments, and when symptoms have lasted six to 12 months. Surgery involves removing the diseased, degenerated tendon tissue. The surgery would be performed in an outpatient setting.

Recovery

Recovery from surgery will include physical therapy to regain motion of the arm. A strengthening program will be necessary to return to prior activities. Recovery can be expected to take several months.

Talk to your hand surgeon to determine the best treatment option for you.

© 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Hand

This content is written, edited and updated by hand surgeon members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Find a hand surgeon near you.

Tennis Elbow Treatment Milwaukee | Lateral Epicondylitis Treatment Mequon

Tennis elbow is the common name used for the elbow condition called lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions at the forearm that leads to inflammation and micro tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. The condition is more common in sports activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening and playing musical instruments. Patients with tennis elbow experience elbow pain or burning that gradually worsens and results in a weakened grip.

Your doctor will evaluate tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history, performing a thorough physical examination and ordering X-rays, MRI or electromyogram (EMG) to detect any nerve compression.

Your doctor will first recommend conservative treatment options to treat the tennis elbow symptoms. These may include:

• 
  Limit use and rest the arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
• 
  Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
• 
  Apply ice packs on the elbow to reduce swelling.
• 
  Avoid activities that bring on the symptoms and increase stress on the tendons.
• 
  Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat pain and swelling.
• 
  Physical therapy may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm once your symptoms have decreased.
• 
  Pulsed ultrasound may be utilized to increase blood flow and promote healing to the injured tendons.

If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 -12 months, your surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure to treat tennis elbow called lateral epicondyle release surgery. Your surgeon will decide whether to perform your surgery in the traditional open manner (single large incision) or endoscopically (2 to 3 tiny incisions and the use of an endoscope –narrow lighted tube with a camera). Your surgeon will decide which options are best for you depending on your specific circumstances.

Your surgeon moves aside soft tissue in order to view the extensor tendon and its attachment on the lateral epicondyle. The surgeon then trims the tendon or releases the tendon and then reattaches it to the bone. Any scar tissue present will be removed as well as any bone spurs. After the surgery is completed, the incision(s) are closed by suturing or by tape.

Following surgery, you are referred to physical therapy to improve the range of motion and strength of your joint.

Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

The First 24 to 48 Hours

For the first 24 to 48 hours after acute onset of your pain, treatment includes:

• Resting the arm by avoiding certain activities and modifying the way you do others
• Using 10-20 minute ice treatments
• Using elastic bandages or supports to take the pressure off of the painful muscles

Your physical therapist will decide if you should use a brace or support to protect your muscles while the area is healing. Depending on severity, your therapist may recommend that you consult with another health care provider for further testing or for consideration of additional treatment such as medication. In rare cases, treatments such as cortisone injection or surgery might be needed. Your physical therapist can help you determine whether you need a referral to another health care provider.

Your physical therapist can design a specific treatment program to speed your recovery. There will very likely be exercises and other treatments that you will be expected to do at home. Your physical therapist also might use special physical therapy treatments to help relieve pain, such as manual therapy, special exercises, and ice or heat treatments or both.

For an “acute” case of tennis elbow—one that has occurred within the past few weeks— it’s important to treat as early as possible. Left untreated, tennis elbow may become chronic and last for months and sometimes even years. This is especially true if treatment is focused only on relieving pain and not on correcting the muscle weakness and bad habits that might have led to your condition in the first place.

Improve Your Ability to Move

Your physical therapist may use manual therapy to enable your joints and muscles to move more freely with less pain.

Improve Your Strength

Insufficient muscle strength can lead to tennis elbow. Sometimes the weakness is in the muscles of the wrist and forearm. In many cases, the problem stems from weakness of the supporting postural, or “core,” muscles. In fact, you might find that it is necessary to improve your overall level of fitness to help manage your elbow condition. Based on the evaluation, your physical therapist can determine the type and amount of exercises that are right for you.

Physical therapists prescribe several types of exercises during recovery from tennis elbow:

• Early in the treatment, when the pain is most intense, your therapist may recommend passive exercises in which your wrist and elbow are moved without the use of your muscles.
• As your symptoms improve, you can move the wrist and elbow actively without assistance.
• As the muscles become stronger and the symptoms have lessened, you will be able to begin using weights or resistance bands to further increase your strength. The amount of weight will need to be carefully monitored to make sure you continue to progress and avoid re-injuring your muscles.

Use Your Muscles the Right Way

Your physical therapist can help you retrain your muscles so that you use them properly. For example, when you lift a heavy grocery bag, you should contract the muscles around your shoulder blade and trunk to provide support for your arm muscles. This simple movement can be easily taught to you by a physical therapist can lessen the stress to the injured muscles and help you return to your normal activities while avoiding re-injury.

Return to Your Activities

Your physical therapist will help you remain active by teaching you how to modify your daily activities to avoid pain and further injury. Sometimes it’s necessary to make changes at work, on the playing field, or in the home. Your physical therapist can help you make simple modifications to your work site, your computer set-up, your kitchen devices, your sports equipment, and even your gardening tools to lessen the strain to your hand, wrist, and forearm. Your therapist will emphasize the importance of taking stretch breaks so that your muscles get frequent rest from repetitive movements and standing or sitting in the same position.

Tennis may be a contributing factor to tennis elbow for several reasons. Sometimes the problem results from over-training. In other cases, the weight of the racquet or its grip may need to be adjusted. For others, the problem may stem from improper form, poor overall fitness, or a lack of strength in the supporting or “core” muscles of the trunk and shoulder blades. A physical therapist can help analyze the source of the problem and help find a solution.

Treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow in Yekaterinburg

Epicondylitis of the elbow is a disease that can occur in people at any age, but usually over 35 years old. It is characterized by the presence of degenerative changes, inflammation, sprains in the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Epicondylitis occurs where muscles attach to the epicondyle of the humerus.

Epicondylitis of both the right and left elbows may occur, the “leading” arm usually suffers.Some people tend to endure pain and postpone a visit to a doctor at a medical center, examination, consultation and appointment, so the disease can progress for a long period. This is especially true for athletes.

Types of epicondylitis

Diagnostics in the clinic of Yekaterinburg allows doctors to quickly determine the type of disease. There are lateral (external), medial (internal) epicondylitis, as well as inflammation of the back of the elbow.

Reasons for the appearance of epicondylitis

In order to prescribe the appropriate treatment, it is necessary to identify the reasons for the occurrence of epicondylitis:

• Constant tension in the tissue during long-term loads on the forearm, in particular, with constant flexion-extension and rotation, usually tennis players constantly perform such actions ;
• Significant loads on the muscles and tendons of the forearm with regular weight lifting, working with tools;
• Performing repetitive monotonous movements with prolonged muscle tension;
• single overstrain of a muscle group;
• received injuries to the elbow;
• Incorrect hand position while working at the table, working at the computer and others.

There are a number of diseases that contribute to the occurrence of epicondylitis of the elbow joint, for example, osteoporosis, neuropathy of the ulnar nerve, arthrosis, dysplasia, periarthritis, osteochondrosis and others.

Main symptoms

In the early stages of disease progression, symptoms may not be visible. But, according to ICD 10, the following begins to appear:

• periodic pain over the outer shoulder of the shoulder;
• Increasing pain with wrist rotation;
• over time, the pain rotates into a constant, spreading from the elbow to the wrist joint, sometimes even to the hand, middle and ring fingers;
• Tingling sensation in the injured hand;
• numbness, “goose bumps”;
• limb dysfunction.

Usually the patient, due to inflammation in the tissues, cannot even hold light objects in his hand.

Methods of treatment

Treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint must be trusted by an orthopedic traumatologist. Since the treatment is quite conservative, you can try to cure the disease yourself with the use of regular massages, physiotherapy, taping for epicondylitis. Only a doctor will be able to treat a patient really effectively with such methods:

• with external use of anti-inflammatory drugs;
• for severe pain, injections and blockade in the form of corticosteroid hormones with anesthetics;
• for subacute epicondylitis, extracorporeal shock wave therapy;
• Immobilizing bandage to ensure rest, elbow bandage for epicondylitis, orthosis is suitable.

Therapy should include ensuring rest of the limb and minimizing the load on the arm with a gradual increase.

Tennis elbow / Lateral epicondylitis

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis is caused by an overload of the stretching muscles of the wrist (wrist extensors). Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis can significantly affect quality of life and job satisfaction.

The cause of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis?

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis is often caused by repetitive movements such as computer work, drawing, and the like.Treatment for tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis includes treating the causative cause, eccentric training of the muscles involved, and pressure wave and / or laser treatment. It is the wrist extensors that cause the condition of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis (radial wrist extensor or carpi extensor ulnaris myalgia / miosis, among others).

Lateral epicondylitis – tennis elbow – Image Wikimedia

The image above illustrates the damage to lateral epicondylitis. Small micro-fissures develop where the muscle / tendon attaches to the lateral epicondyle (which you will find on the outside of the elbow), which can often worsen due to the continuation of the causal cause, making it difficult for your own healing process to take action. In such cases, external assistance from a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or chiropractor is required. Treatment usually consists of eccentric training combined with a pressure wave and / or laser treatment, as well as addressing the underlying cause of the problem.

Lateral epicondylitis – definition

Lateral epicondylitis: Extra-articular stagnation located at the origin of the stretching muscles of the wrist or tendons on the outside of the elbow. Repeated full wrist extension (flexion back) during the workday is the most common cause.

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.The pain can also run down to the forearm and get worse with certain movements.

Stiff elbow. The elbow can feel stiff and it can be painful to bind the hand to the fist.

– Crunch in the elbow joint. With such dysfunction, there may be a crackling sound in the elbow joint.

Weakness in hands or fingers. Sometimes tennis elbow can cause arm weakness on the affected side.

Illing down to the hand, especially the ring or little finger.

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis treatment

The best evidence for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis is eccentric exercise (see Ref.Exercise her), preferably in combination with a pressure wave and / or laser treatment – other confirmed forms of treatment include elbow mobilization / manipulation. The standard treatment protocol for tennis elbow is with Shockwave for about 5 treatments, with 5-7 days between courses, so the recovery / rest period should be optimal.

What can I do even for an elbow pain?

1. General exercise, special exercises, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain.Two walks a day for 20-40 minutes are good for the whole body and muscle soreness.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we highly recommend – they come in different sizes, so you can hit even all parts of the body. There is no better self-help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) – this is a complete set of 5 trigger points / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Special training with training techniques of various opponents (for example, this set of 6 matings of different resistances) can help you train strength and function.Knitting training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain relief.

4. Pain relief – cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by gently cooling the area. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is severe. When they have calmed down, heat treatment is recommended – so it is advisable to have both cooling and heating.

5. Pain relief – Heating: Warming up muscles can improve circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold pad (click here to learn more about this) – which can be used for both cooling (freezing) and heating (microwaveable).

Recommended products for elbow pain relief

Biofreeze (Cold / Cryotherapy)

Treatment Needle is often used for elbow pain.It may be effective against conditions such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golf elbow (medial epicondylitis), and general muscle dysfunction (myalgia). Here you can watch a video of tennis elbow acupuncture treatment.

Other treatments for tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis:

– Acupuncture / Needle Treatment

– Working with soft tissues / massage

– Electrotherapy / Energy Therapy

– ice treatment

– Laser treatment

– Joint corrective treatment

– Treatment of muscle nodes / trigger point therapy

– Ultrasound

– Heat treatment

Recommended Products for Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis Pain Relief

Biofreeze (cold / cryotherapy)

Evidence for the treatment of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

A larger RCT (Bisset 2006), also known as a randomized controlled trial, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), showed that physical treatment of lateral epicondylitis consisting of elbow manipulation and specific exercises had a significantly greater effect c in the form of pain relief and improved functionality of compared to waiting and seeking in the short term, as well as in the long term compared to cortisone injections.The same study also showed that cortisone has a short-term effect, but paradoxically, in the long term, it increases the likelihood of relapse and leads to slower healing of the injury. Another study (Smidt 2002) also supports these findings.

Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis measures

One of the most important things about congestion injuries is that you simply and easily reduce activity that irritates muscles and tendons, this can be done by making ergonomic changes in the workplace or taking a break from painful movements.However, it is important not to stop completely, as it does more harm in the long run.

Elbow support is also recommended , We recommend Shock Doctor elbow support .

Elbow support picture:

Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis Training

Grab Teach: Press and hold soft ball for 5 seconds. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.

Pronation of the forearm and increased supination: Hold a soup box or similar in your hand and bend your elbow 90 degrees. Slowly turn your hand so that it is pointing up, and slowly turn it to face down. Repeat 2 sets of 15 reps.

Elbow Flexion and Extension Resistance Training: Hold a soup can or similar object with your hand up. Bend your elbow so that your hand is facing your shoulder. Then lower your arm until it is fully extended.Do 2 sets of 15 reps. Gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger.

Tennis elbow sprain / lateral epicondylitis

Mobilizing the wrist during flexion and extension: Flex the wrist into flexion (forward bend) and extension (backward bend) as far as possible. Do 2 sets of 15 reps.

Wrist extension: Press down on the back with your other hand to bend the wrist.Hold with adjustable pressure for 15-30 seconds. Then change the movement and stretch, pushing the front of your arm back. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Remember to keep your arm straight when doing these stretching exercises. Complete 3 sets.

Pronation and supination of the forearm: Bend the elbow on the affected arm 90 degrees, keeping the elbow on the body. Turn your palm upward and hold this position for 5 seconds. Then slowly lower your palm down and hold this position for 5 seconds.Do this in 2 sets of 15 reps each.

Invasive treatment for tennis elbow

– Surgery / Surgery

– Pain Injection

Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis Surgery

If conservative treatment is fully tried and pain only persists, then tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis surgery may be required. But due to the risk and the likelihood of deterioration, this is considered a last resort.

Anesthetic injection against tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

A treatment option that can be tested before surgery, if conservative treatment is fully tested and pain only persists, then it may be appropriate with an injection in the treatment of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis. Cortisone injections are usually the most commonly used, but there are other options. Unfortunately, cortisone injections can lead to increased pain in the long term.This is what you want to try before any surgery.

Learn more in this book: Injection technique in musculoskeletal medicine (for physicians and those especially interested)
Book image:

Eccentric exercises against tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

Eccentric training is recommended in the treatment of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis.The following video shows eccentric training for lateral epicondylitis.

Did you know that: – Bilberry extract has a proven analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect?

Imaging diagnostic examination of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

Both MRI and diagnostic ultrasound may be helpful in imaging for suspected tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis.Such imaging tests can usually be dispensed with since the diagnosis and symptoms are usually very clear to the clinician.

MRI image of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

Here we see an MRI image of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis. There are obvious reactions around the lateral supracondylar.

Diagnostic ultrasound of tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

This ultrasound image shows a thickening of the muscle attachment to the lateral epicondyle on the outside of the elbow.

Les også:

– Pain in the elbow

– Did You Know Ginger Can Reduce Muscle Pain?

Training:

• The Chin / Chin Trainer can be a great exercise tool at home. It can be attached and detached from the door frame without using a drill or tool.
• Cross trainer / ellipse machine: Excellent fitness workout.Good for stimulating body movement and exercise in general.
• Rubber jersey is a great tool for those who need to strengthen the shoulder, arm, body and more. Gentle but effective learning.
• Kettlebell is a very effective form of training that gives quick and good results.
• The rowing machine is one of the best forms of training you can use to get good overall strength.
• Spinning bike ergometer: It’s good to have at home so you can increase your exercise throughout the year and improve your fitness.

Les også:
– Eccentric exercises in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis / tennis elbow

Les også: – Does your elbow hurt? You must know this!

Les også: – AU! Is it late inflammation or late trauma?

sources:

1. Bisset L, Beller E, Jull J, Brooks P, Darnell R, Vicenzino B. Mobilization with movement and exercise, corticosteroid injection, or waiting for tennis elbow: a randomized trial BMJ.2006 Nov 4; 333 (7575): 939. Epub 2006 Sep 29.
2. Smidt N., van der Windt D.A., Assendelft V.J., Deville V.L., Cortals de Bose I.B., Bouter L.M. Corticosteroid injection, physiotherapy, or expectant management for lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2002 Feb 23; 359 (9307): 657-62.

Recommended reading:

– Tennis Elbow: Clinical Management (click here to learn more)

Description: Tennis Elbow – Clinical Measures. A very good book written for an informed approach to tennis elbow syndrome.

“By combining current knowledge and evidence about the causes and treatment of tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, the diagnosis and treatment options for this common sports injury are detailed. Commonly attributed to overexertion or repetitive elbow movements, tennis elbow causes pain, soreness, and stiffness in the elbow and wrist, even with daily non-sport activities such as lifting and pulling.Starting with its etiology, subsequent chapters explore both conservative and surgical therapies, from physical therapy, joint injections and acupuncture to arthroscopy, open surgery, and denervation. Outcomes, rehabilitation and return to play are discussed, as well as methods and indications for the management of complications and re-surgery. Ideal for orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine practitioners, Tennis Elbow: Clinical Management is a practical reference for any clinician treating athletes or active patients. “

– Pain Free: a revolutionary method for stopping chronic pain (click here to learn more)

Description: Painless – a revolutionary method for relieving chronic pain. This very good book was written by the world famous Pete Egoscue, who runs the famous The Egoscue Method Clinic in San Diego. He created exercises, which he called E-Cises, and shows step-by-step descriptions with pictures in the book.He himself claims that his method is successful in 95% of cases. Click her to learn more about his book, as well as see a preview. A book for those who have tried most of the treatments and measures without much success or improvement.

Follow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

(Follow and comment if you want us to shoot a video with specific exercises or developments exactly for YOUR problems)

Follow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

(We strive to answer all messages and questions within 24-48 hours.We can also help you interpret MRI responses and the like.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis

Should I be treated for tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis?

Yes, if you don’t take action, the condition is likely to only get worse. Seek help from the plague today so you don’t have to carry it with you for the rest of your life. If you cannot afford the treatment, it is best to start with relief measures (elbow support) and individual exercises (see.Earlier in the article).

Should tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis freeze?

Yes, in situations where it is evident that the attachments to the lateral epicondyle are irritated and possibly even swollen, then icing should be used according to the usual icing protocol. Be careful not to damage fabrics if there is too much cold.

Which pain relievers or muscle relaxants are best for tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis?

If you are going to take pain relievers without a prescription, then they must be anti-inflammatory, for example ibuprofen or Voltaren . It is not recommended to use pain relievers without addressing the cause of the pain itself, as this can temporarily hide the pain without any significant improvement in elbow attachment …The doctor can print the prescription muscle relaxants if needed; then most likely tramadol or brexidol .Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any pain relievers.

Craftsman, 44 years old. It works at the elbow when I lift something. What could be the reason?

The cause is most likely due to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golf elbow (medial epicondylitis), which may result from repetitive stress (eg, carpentry).Tears can occur where muscles attach to the outside or inside of the elbow – both can cause pain when using the arm and wrist. It can also lead to a decrease in grip strength.

90,000 Elbow pain, elbow joint treatment in Yekaterinburg, at the medical center

Elbow pain is a serious pathology that can be caused by a number of reasons and significantly impair the patient’s quality of life. It not only reduces performance, but makes even everyday activities impossible – carrying a bag or a bag, drinking tea, due to the fact that it is difficult to hold a mug with a drink.

What causes elbow pain? Most often, this is shoulder epicondylitis – an occupational disease of tennis players, golfers and all those whose work is associated with increased mobility and load of the arms.

Causes of epicondylitis

From excessive regular overloads in the area of ​​the arms, carrying heavy loads, and even just with sudden movements of the hands, a tear of the ligamentous apparatus can occur at the point of attachment to the condyles of the humerus. The consequence of this damage is swelling and inflammation, as well as severe pain in the area of ​​injury.Movement is limited not only in the elbow, but also in the hand and shoulder.

As a rule, the main right hand of many people suffers, but both are susceptible to the disease – and the left, as well.

When you have a sore elbow, you look for options on how to get rid of the discomfort and continue living at a given pace. The Spine Team Medical Center will come to your aid quickly and efficiently.

We specialize in problems in the elbow and shoulder joints, successfully relieve osteochondrosis, periarthrosis and other diseases associated with muscles, internal tissues and bones.

We also treat the elbow joint using several types of therapy. Here is a combination of the use of a laser, UHT, and taping. In the balance determined by the doctor, these three types of prescriptions successfully and without a trace fight against epicondylitis. Relieve inflammation and repair tissue.

How to contact

You can treat the elbow in Yekaterinburg at an attractive price at 2 addresses of the Spine Team clinic: at Uralmash on the street. Kirovgradskaya, 20; in the center on the street.Sheinkman, 134A.

We are not a hospital, but a private center, where 4 components of success are concentrated: experienced specialists, the latest equipment, proven methods and treatment regimens, and, of course, the optimal cost of services!

90,000 What are the most common tennis elbow symptoms?

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is one of the most common reasons patients see a doctor for elbow pain.The most common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain in the elbow joint, pain when bending the arm or picking up objects, and pain that runs down the forearm towards the wrist. These symptoms are almost always felt in the dominant hand, so the left-hander is more likely to feel pain in the left hand. Patients usually report a gradual increase in pain over time; it is usually not from a single incident or injury.

Tennis elbow symptoms can be caused by repetitive movements of any type — not just playing tennis.Painting a ceiling or high wall, hammering nails, and some handicrafts can cause this condition in some patients. The causes of tennis elbow differ from person to person, but once it has developed, most patients report some of the same symptoms.

Someone suffering from tennis elbow usually has elbow pain that can range from mild to severe and is usually severe along the outer part of the elbow.Some patients are unable to fully flex the elbow joint, while others can but feel pain when flexing or extending the arm. A bump that protrudes from the end of the elbow can also be a source of pain.

Other common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain when grasping or picking up objects, or pain that occurs with normal use. Patients are advised to seek medical attention if pain persists for more than a few days.Over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve some of the discomfort, but if it persists, it is recommended that you see your doctor.

A healthcare professional can recommend different types of anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve tennis elbow symptoms. If symptoms do not respond to treatment, a cortisone injection can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. In some cases, it may be necessary to immobilize the elbow for several days with a sling or brace to speed up healing.At times, a combination of these techniques will be used to treat tennis elbow.

Physical therapy and light-strength exercise are sometimes recommended for patients with this condition. In some rare cases, surgery may be required. Most healthcare providers only consider tennis elbow surgery when all other treatments have failed. Surgery is considered a last resort, and most patients respond well to surgery.

OTHER LANGUAGES

90,000 Epicondylitis: symptoms and treatment

A disease with such an exotic name – epicondylitis – is quite common in people of working age and is accompanied by the development of a degenerative-dystrophic process in the region of the elbow joint (epicondyle of the humerus) due to its overload. In addition, the surrounding tissues of the elbow region, most often its outer surface, are involved in the pathological inflammatory process.The disease is usually “right-sided” in nature, since the right hand is dominant in most people and carries a greater functional load than the left. Epicondylitis occurs mainly in persons who perform frequently repetitive, stereotypical movements (extension and supination of the forearm), for example, in agricultural workers (milkmaids, tractor drivers, handymen), construction workers (painters, plasterers, carpenters), athletes (kettlebell lifters, boxers, tennis players), massage therapists, typists, seamstresses.In some cases, epicondylitis can be caused by a direct injury to the elbow or a single but intense exertion (such as carrying a heavy suitcase).

The main clinical symptom of epicondylitis is local pain in the area of ​​the outer (less often the inner) side of the elbow, which can radiate up the outer edge of the arm and down to the middle of the forearm. The pain increases with palpation, as well as clenching the hand into a fist and simultaneously flexing at the wrist joint (a symptom of a handshake).The pain syndrome is progressive and eventually occurs even with slight muscle tension, for example, holding something in the hand. On palpation, you can determine the point of maximum pain, which can be located both in the tendons and in the muscles. Over time, weakness appears in the hand, which makes it impossible for a person to hold even light objects – he drops tools, dishes and other things. X-ray examination, as a rule, does not reveal any bone changes.Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful in making the diagnosis.

Treatment of epicondylitis is usually conservative, carried out on an outpatient basis and should be started immediately after the first symptoms appear. In this case, the pathology lends itself well to conservative therapy, and there is no need for surgical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. During treatment, it is necessary to exclude physical activity (including training) until the symptoms and signs of the disease completely disappear; if necessary, a special orthosis or an elastic bandage in the form of a figure of eight can be used to immobilize the hand.After stopping the pain syndrome, the patient can start physical therapy, and subsequently – to sports loads with a gradual increase in their intensity. Drug therapy consists in the doctor’s appointment of ointments and gels, warming compresses, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Massage and physiotherapeutic measures are very effective – electro and phonophoresis with drugs, reflex and laser therapy, ozokerite and paraffin applications.In the case of a chronic course of this disease with frequent exacerbations, the patient, if possible, should change the nature of the work.

Prevention of epicondylitis consists in preventing chronic overstrain of the corresponding muscle groups and alternating monotonous long-term loads with rest pauses. A full warm-up is required before rotational arm movements associated with both work and sports. When using a computer with a keyboard and mouse, keep your hands in a neutral position without bending your wrist or applying force.An important role is played by the development of the correct motor stereotype of professional or sports movements, working posture, as well as the correct selection of equipment.

And remember: at the first sign of epicondylitis, seek medical help – don’t wait for pain to force you to do it!

Vladimir KHRYSHCHANOVICH, Candidate of Medical Sciences

Soviet Belarus No. 143 (24773). Thursday, 30 July 2015

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90,000 Tennis elbow.Shock wave therapy

Tennis elbow (elbow pain). Shock wave therapy.

Tennis elbow is a well-known disease that causes a lot of trouble for doctors and patients. The “official” name of the disease is lateral epicondylitis . This condition is caused by chronic overstrain of the muscles and tendons of the arm, which is manifested by pain in the elbow area. It is found not only among tennis players, but also among representatives of many other professions whose work is associated with the implementation of certain movements in the elbow joint (for example, hammering nails, painting and carpentry, etc.). More often men over 30 years old are ill.

The main reason for the development of lateral epicondylitis can be called minor injuries to muscles, bone surfaces, ligaments and tendons in the elbow joint. Provoke their frequent flexion-extension in the joint. The key symptom of this disease is elbow pain, usually aching or boring in nature. It is more pronounced in the area of ​​the so-called lateral epicondyle (bony tubercle, which can be felt from the outside of the elbow joint).In the same place, swelling, redness and swelling of the tissues are noted. The pain increases with the slightest exertion (extension at the elbow, grasping objects in the hand, shaking hands, etc.) and can spread to neighboring areas, up to the fingers. Without treatment, the disease progresses, the pain intensifies and can become an almost constant companion of the patient.

Tennis elbow. Epicondylitis of the elbow joint

In the presence of the first signs of a tennis player’s elbow, consultation of an orthopedic traumatologist is shown.The diagnosis is made mainly clinically: on the basis of patient complaints and examination data. Sometimes it is necessary to consult a neurologist in order to exclude neuropathies of the upper limb and tunnel syndrome. may need an MRI or ultrasound of the elbow joint to confirm the diagnosis, since it is these methods that allow the doctor to assess the condition of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons). X-ray examination for this disease is not very informative.

Prevention of epicondylitis of the elbow joint consists in warm-up and self-massage before exercising in the elbow joint.In parallel, you can use warming ointments (for example, finalgon). Massage will not hurt even after the end of the load. Any warming up procedures (saunas, steam baths) are useful. Reasonable strength training is essential to strengthen the tendons and muscles of the elbow. It is necessary to treat chronic infections (tonsillitis, sinusitis, prostatitis, etc.) in time, to eliminate dental problems. For the full functioning of the ligaments , vitamins of the B group are necessary, therefore, taking multivitamin complexes can be a good preventive measure. Cold procedures are contraindicated : do not cool a sore elbow in snow or cold water, this can only delay the moment of recovery for a long time.

Conservative treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint (tennis elbow)

Treat tennis elbow conservatively. In 90-95% of cases, the prognosis of the disease is favorable. Shows rest for the elbow joint, light massage and dry heat on the area of ​​the elbow joint. Sometimes they use immobilization with a scarf or plaster cast.From medications, pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (both local and systemic) are prescribed. Also, injection blockade with a local anesthetic and a hormonal drug is used in the area of ​​the affected joint.

Treatment of epicondylitis with shock wave therapy

Treatment of epicondylitis with shock wave therapy

Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are highly effective in this disease. One of these techniques is Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) . Tennis elbow is one of the many classic indications for shockwave therapy. . For the first time with this disease, the method was applied by German sports doctors in the mid-90s. The first results were very encouraging, and gave rise to the era of shock wave therapy in sports medicine, and subsequently in orthopedic, neurological and many other fields of medicine.

Shock waves help to restore traumatized tissues, improve blood circulation and metabolism in muscles and connective tissue, strengthen the structure of the ligaments. With tennis elbow, the clinical effect appears after 1-2 procedures . It is expressed in a decrease in pain and swelling in the elbow joint, an increase in mobility and exercise tolerance. In the Avatazh medical center, in combination with shock wave therapy, patented V-Actor biomechanical stimulation technology is used, which restores the elasticity of muscles and damaged tendons.

Medical center “Avatazh” in the treatment of epicondylitis and pain in the elbow uses the equipment of the world leader – Gymna (Anthem, Belgium) – the company’s experience since 1967.This company has been producing physiotherapy equipment for more than 50 years and is rightfully the most reputable in its industry.

The use of UHT both independently and as part of complex rehabilitation programs has proven its effectiveness in 98%. In most cases, the course of epicondylitis treatment in the Avatazh medical center is sufficient for 5 procedures with a weekly interval between them. However, during the course of shock wave therapy, it is extremely important to avoid physical exertion and adhere to the most sparing regimen for the diseased limb .

Tennis elbow | articles about laser treatment with B-cure Laser

Lateral epicondylitis, or in other words tennis elbow, is a chronic disease that occurs due to a high load on the tendons and muscles of the arm and forearm.

Despite the name, the disease can be detected in people not associated with tennis. In athletes, it is the result of strong hits with the racket on the ball, in other cases it occurs as a result of stress when hammering in nails, working with an ax or paintbrush, and other strenuous activities.Tennis elbow often occurs with latent tendon or muscle injuries in the elbow area, as well as as a result of chronic stress due to frequent flexion-extension of the elbow joint. The disease occurs quite often: every second tennis player and 1-4% of people outside of sports suffer from it.

Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain in the elbow joint and the eminence located in the elbow region, called the lateral epicondyle. Often, those suffering from the disease complain of pain in the back of the forearm, hand, and fingers.The patient may feel intense tension even when the arm is under light stress, for example, when taking a book.

In the initial phase of the disease, sensitivity and mild pain in the epicondyle region are observed, which becomes more noticeable during hand movements, when moving objects, shaking hands, clenching the hand into a fist, turning movements in the elbow and wrist joints.Further, the disease turns into an acute stage, in which there are sharp painful sensations that impede even calm movements of the arm and hand.

To get rid of the symptoms of the disease, it is recommended to give the hand rest, removing the load from it and excluding any movements. With mild pain, light massage and warming up are prescribed. For acute pain, a plaster cast is applied. Medication is also used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is helpful.

Sinusoidal simulated currents, ultrasound and laser have the best effect on tennis elbow. B-CureLaser is a medical laser therapy device that can be used to treat tennis elbow at home.Those wishing to purchase a laser therapy device will be pleasantly surprised by the price. And those who afford to buy a laser therapy device will be able to quickly and easily get rid of pain symptoms and restore the hand’s working capacity.

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