Tennis elbow is a common overuse condition that results from the tendons in the elbow being overloaded as a result of repetitive motions involving the hand, arm and/or the wrist.
Tennis elbow, which is professionally referred to as “lateral epicondylitis”, is a condition that occurs when repetitive motions of the arm, hand and/or the wrist place a strain on the tendons of the elbow.
While common among those that play racquet sports and athletes, this condition may detrimentally impact individuals that perform regular motions with their hands, wrists, and arms in day-to-day life and/or through the course of their work.
It is not at all uncommon for those that type, paint, or engage in plumbing to suffer from this overuse condition.
“Mountains are to the rest of the body of the earth, what violent muscular action is to the body of man. The muscles and tendons of its anatomy are, in the mountain, brought out with force and convulsive energy, full of expression, passion, and strength….” – John Ruskin
What is Tennis Elbow?
It’s a result of repetitive motions involving the hand, wrist, and arm.
The tendons that bring together the muscles of the forearm to the muscles on the outside region of the elbow become inflamed. The inflammation then results in the development of damage within those tendons.
The area becomes tender to the touch, highly sensitive, and pain develops. Overuse, engaging in certain activities, and age are the most common causes of tennis elbow.
Many individuals may develop insidious tennis elbow, which means there is no underlying cause.
When tennis elbow develops, the most common symptom is pain that radiates from the outside region of the elbow into the area of the forearm, and possibly the wrist.
Weakness may also develop.
Sufferers often find themselves unable to do activities that are simple – such as turning items (like a doorknob) or holding items (such as a cup).
It may also be difficult for sufferers to successfully grip an object, hold on to objects, or to perform something as simple as shaking hands with others.
A burning sensation may also be experienced.
Treatment
The goal is to avoid overuse injuries – such as tennis elbow.
You may do this may performing warm up sessions before physical activity, cool down sessions after exercising, and simple stretches that will condition the muscles and tendons that will aid in keeping the body safe during exercise.
If you have already developed tennis elbow, you should consult with a physical therapist. These professionals will help you learn self-care techniques that will soothe the muscles and tendons in your body.
The PT will also help you learn how to evaluate the technique that you use while exercising and be more alert to the motions of your body.
They will also help in teaching you how to successfully reduce the amount of stress that is placed on the tissues that have been injured in your body.
We Can Help
Are you tired of the pain and discomfort of tennis elbow? Is it causing you problems in moving and finding a comfortable position? If so, we here at Back to Motion can help!
Resources:
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tennis-elbow#1
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/tennis_elbow/article_em.htm#what_are_tennis_elbow_symptoms_and_signs
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175848.php