It's Not Just Caused by Tennis
Whether you're a weekend warrior, carpenter, office worker, or busy parent, you may be at risk for the overuse condition known as tennis elbow. Intense pain in and around the elbow, often radiating down your arm, can be debilitating.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is usually caused by repetitive use of the arm, but can also result from a sudden strain injury. It has been called tennis elbow because it is most common among tennis players and is felt most strongly while hitting a backhand tennis stroke. It is also common in golfers, people who work with heavy tools, office workers, and those who do repetitive lifting.
Symptoms
- The most common symptom is severe pain on the outside of the upper forearm, just below the bend in the elbow. Sometimes pain radiates down the forearm toward the wrist.
- Lifting, bending the elbow, or even grasping objects such as a glass or cup can cause pain.
- Pain normally lasts from six to twelve weeks, but can last several years. It can get worse without treatment.
Diagnosis
Even though you may feel sure about your symptoms, you should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment for ongoing pain. Tennis elbow is usually a form of tendonitis. But pain in the arm and elbow can also be symptomatic of bursitis, arthritis, infection, gout, or a tumor.
Treatment
- The first and easiest form of treatment is to rest the arm. Stop doing whatever causes pain. This is fairly easy if it is a tennis, golf, or another sport. But it's more difficult if you need the use of your arm in your work. But no matter what, you will need to give the tendons and muscles time to heal.
- Pain killers, either over-the-counter or prescription, can help make pain manageable.
- For long-term pain, doctors often prescribe injections -- usually corticosteroids. Injections have proven to be helpful in reducing recovery time.
- As the pain diminishes, massage, stretching, and gentle strengthening exercises can help.
- In rare cases, some form of surgery is required to repair damage to the joint or tendons.
Prevention
- The best treatment for tennis elbow is to never get it. Be careful when lifting or swinging the arm, and keep the palm facing the body while lifting.
- Warm up and stretch before heavy lifting or doing sports using the arm muscles.
- Build up arm strength with regular weight-bearing exercises.
- If an activity causes pain in the arm muscles or elbow, stop.
Tennis elbow and similar conditions are common and painful, but also treatable and preventable. Have fun, work hard, and be sure to use common sense in all your physical activities. |
