Is Tennis Elbow Stopping You From Enjoying The Things You Love Doing?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, often develops due to repetitive stress or overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, resulting in tiny tears or inflammation around the lateral epicondyle of the elbow.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional to assess symptoms and tenderness around the outer elbow. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans might be ordered to rule out other conditions.

Treatment often includes rest, avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, applying ice packs, using anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, specific exercises to strengthen forearm muscles, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery for severe cases.

Recovery time varies based on the severity of the condition and adherence to treatment. Mild cases might improve within a few weeks with conservative measures, while chronic or severe cases might require several months or more for significant improvement.

It's essential to avoid activities that worsen the pain during the acute phase. However, gentle exercises and modified activities recommended by a healthcare professional can often aid in recovery without exacerbating the condition.

Yes, exercises focused on strengthening and stretching the forearm muscles, such as wrist curls, eccentric exercises, and forearm stretches, can often alleviate tennis elbow symptoms. A podiatrist can provide guidance on suitable exercises.

Taking breaks during repetitive activities, using proper equipment and techniques, maintaining forearm strength and flexibility through regular exercises, and avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity can help prevent tennis elbow pain.

It's advisable to seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens despite conservative measures, or if there's significant weakness or loss of function in the affected arm. Persistent pain might indicate a need for further evaluation or alternative treatments.