Tennis elbow is an over-use injury caused by small tears in the tendon of the elbow. As such, the best way to treat tennis elbow, and the only way to fully treat the underlying tennis elbow symptoms, is to avoid the activity and give the tendons time to heal. Of course, this is not always practical, so this article offers advice on how to minimize further damage, and to help aid recovery between aggravating activities.
Pre-Match:
* One-hour before the match, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This will help manage the pain. Be careful of long-term use, as taking these medications for extended periods may lead to gastrointestinal problems. * Start with a light cardiovascular warm-up to increase circulation before thoroughly stretching the biceps, triceps, forearm, and shoulder before beginning an activity that might aggravate the elbow. * Keep the arm warm during warm-ups, and during activity, to ensure proper circulation.
During the Match:
* Use an counter-force elastic band to relieve pain during activity for some sufferers. * Make sure your equipment is helping your elbow rather than hurting it. Stringing your racquet too tightly, or using a lightweight racquet may increase the chances of aggravating your tennis elbow. * Again, keep the arm warm during warm-ups, and during activity, to ensure proper circulation.
Post-Match:
I'm sure you've heard some version of this, but P.R.I.C.E. (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation) is the best way to aid recovery immediately after injury or reaggravating an injury (such as playing tennis while suffering from tennis elbow). However, since inflammation is typically not a symptom of tennis elbow, the 'compression' and 'elevation' steps are not as effective. If the area is swollen, then some other injury/condition may be the cause, and a visit to the doctor may be in order.
* Protection: avoid any activity that causes pain to the area, or may reaggravate the condition. * Rest: modify activity to give the area time to recover (avoid strenuous activity). * Ice: the sooner you can get ice on the area after activity, the better. Try to ice for 30 minutes every 3-4 hours during the first 48-hours after activity. Never place ice directly on the skin. * Compression: not applicable in most cases. * Elevation: again, not applicable in most cases.
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to help manage post-activity pain. Again, avoid long-term use - which potentially may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Epicondylitis, epitrochlear bursitis
What is this condition?
Tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of the forearm extensor tendon fibers at the point where they attach to the upper arm (humerus) adjacent to the elbow joint.
What causes it?
Tennis elbow probably begins as a partial tear on the involved tendon and is common among tennis players and other persons whose activities require a forceful grasp, wrist extension against resistance, or frequent rotation of the forearm. Left untreated, the condition can become disabling.
What are its symptoms?
The first symptom is elbow pain that gradually worsens and often radiates to the forearm and back of the hand whenever the person grasps an object or twists his or her elbow. Other symptoms are tenderness over the joint and a weak grasp. In rare instances, tennis elbow may cause local heat, swelling, or restricted range of motion.
How is it diagnosed?
Because X-rays are almost always negative, the doctor depends on the person's reports of pain while playing tennis or a similar activity. The pain can be reproduced by having the person move his or her wrist in a manner similar to that used when swinging a racket.
How is it treated?
Treatment aims to relieve pain, usually by local injection of corticosteroid and a local anesthetic and by taking aspirin or Indocin. Supportive treatment includes an immobilizing splint from the forearm to the elbow, which generally relieves pain in 2 to 3 weeks. Some doctors use heat therapy, such as warm compresses and ultrasound, and physical therapy, such as manipulation and massage.
A "tennis elbow strap" has helped many people. This strap, which is wrapped snugly around the forearm, helps relieve the strain on affected forearm muscles and tendons. If these measures prove ineffective, surgical release of the tendon at the hand may be necessary.
Both William Hohman & Robert Baird are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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