Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Blog Article
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it doesn’t only affect tennis players — anyone who overuses the muscles and tendons of the forearm can develop this condition.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow occurs due to repetitive motion or overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow). Common causes include:
Repetitive gripping or twisting movements
Activities involving frequent wrist extension or forearm rotation
Sports such as tennis, squash, or badminton
Manual labor or repetitive tasks like painting or typing
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Symptoms may develop gradually and include:
Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
Weak grip strength
Pain worsens with lifting, gripping, or twisting activities
Difficulty performing everyday tasks like shaking hands or turning a doorknob
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow at mymsk clinic
At mymsk clinic, our specialists perform a thorough physical examination and assess your medical history. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended in some cases to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Conservative Treatments
Most cases of tennis elbow improve with non-surgical treatments, including:
Rest and activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
Ice application to reduce pain and inflammation
Physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises
Use of braces or straps to reduce stress on the elbow
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Advanced Treatments at mymsk clinic
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, mymsk clinic offers advanced options such as:
Corticosteroid injections for inflammation control
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to promote tendon healing
Shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue repair
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if symptoms last longer than 6-12 months and significantly impact daily life. Surgical options aim to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.
Preventing Tennis Elbow
Preventative measures include:
Using proper technique in sports and repetitive activities
Strengthening forearm muscles regularly
Taking breaks to avoid overuse
Using ergonomic tools and supports