Tennis elbow is a painful condition of the tendons caused by overuse of the elbow. The pain can spread from elbow into forearm and wrist. The major symptom is pain in the arm when there are movements like lifting an object (pains even when picking a sheet of paper), writing or holding a cup, turning the wrist while opening the car door or opening a jar, pain or stiffness when you stretch your hand. Severe cases may require help in wearing shirts and combing hair.
The major cause is the overuse of the arm, be it in a sport or one's profession. It is caused due to damage to the specific tendon. Minor tear occurs in the tendons which lead to inflammation and pain. The activities where there are constant repetitive arms and wrist movements will cause Tennis elbow. Activities such as sports such as tennis, badminton, squash or throwing discus, using paintbrush while painting the walls, carpentry activities, sculpture making, typing and writing. Wear and tear due to age also causes Tennis elbow.
It cannot be prevented but certain practices might help reduce progression and severity - provide rest to the arms when there is slight pain, avoid sudden jerky movements, maintain muscle flexibility by practicing regular exercise.
Treatment includes enough rest, physiotherapy and pain relievers. Severe cases may require surgery. Physical therapy with simple exercises helps relax muscles and reduces pain. Wearing a forearm string helps in quick healing of tissues. Wearing a forearm tennis elbow brace helps in supporting the musculature that is damaged. Foods rich in protein, calcium and iron are best to provide strength and flexibility. Include more of these products in your diet: milk, cheese and eggs; vegetables like spinach, broccoli, cabbage; grains and nuts whole grains, nuts, blueberries; green tea; fish such as mackerel and salmon are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated products; limit the intake of sugar and its products; avoid fatty and fried foods.
Diagnosis is based on physical examination. A doctor may suggest imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other conditions that cause pain.
Here are some steps you can take to get rid of Tennis elbow at home:
1. Stop doing that activity or take a break from using your arm and do whatever you can to move it as little as possible.
2. Apply ice or a cold pack for 15 minutes three to four times a day.
3. Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve).
4. Do gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles and prevent recurrence.
5. Wear a forearm tennis elbow brace to support the musculature that is damaged.
I hope this helps!
