Tennis Elbow

When the muscle endings (known as tendons) of the elbow become inflamed, it is known as tennis elbow. The tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) pain becomes more prominent when it comes to a twisting motion such as wringing the clothes, turning a doorknob, etc. Sometimes, holding even a cup of tea seems like a major task to do. It is an overuse injury in most cases. ECRB or Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis muscle is most commonly involved in the pathology of tennis elbow. In this article, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options of this elbow disease are given to aware of our patients more about this orthopedic disorder. If you feel that you are having the same set of symptoms, then you can always make an appointment with the best orthopedic doctor in Noida, Dr. Sumit Badhwar here. 

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow 

• Pain in Elbow that can range from mild to severe 
• Pain may radiate to the whole arm and even wrist 
• Elbow Pain is reproduced by doing the twisting motion of the hand 
• Elbow bone on the outer side (lateral epicondyle) is tender to touch 
• A Decrease in the grip strength in the wrist and palm with due course of time

Tennis Elbow Causes 

• Repetitive computer work with bad posture or improper mouse use
• Excessive use in house chores such as vegetable cutting
• Plumbing
• Carpainter job 
• Auto-drivers
• Can also be idiopathic  

People who are more prone to getting tennis elbow

• People between the age group of 30 to 60 years
• People having professions like carpenter, plumbing, home-makers, cooks, etc
• Sportspersons – It is common in beginners as they tend to follow the improper technique (tennis players) and may be the result of the faulty equipment/racket/bat etc.  

How is the diagnosis made?

• Palpation – The orthopedic doctor will palpate or touch the elbow joint to check for the tenderness and pain in the outer elbow area. 
• Examination and tests– The doctor will then examine the elbow by doing some tests such as different positions of the wrist and putting a stretch on the wrist joint as well. The reproduction of pain on stretching the wrist joint confirms the diagnosis of tennis elbow.
• Diagnostic Imaging – If the need arises, then some diagnostic imaging is also considered for a better overview of the condition, such as X-ray, MRI, etc. 

Treatment of Tennis Elbow 

• RICE is the first line of treatment as soon as the symptoms appear which is Rest, Ice, Compression (Bandaging), and Elevation of the elbow to avoid swelling. 
• Medications – NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given to reduce the swelling and inflammation inside the tendons. 
• Physical therapy – Stretching and strengthening exercises, therapeutic ultrasound (especially for the healing of the tendon), and pain-relieving modalities are given to the patient to restore muscle strength and alleviate symptoms.
• Brace – The elbow brace or the elbow sleeve provides support to the area and helps in faster healing. It also decreases the chances of re-injury. Read more about braces and orthosis.  
• Injection of Corticosteroids – The steroid injections are given when the above-stated measures fail. After giving anesthesia to the patient, a corticosteroid injection is given in the elbow joint, it is a very effective approach for tennis elbow treatment. Read more about the viscosupplementation process. 
• Surgery – It is the last option of treatment and thereby it is seldom performed as most patients get treated fully with the above-stated measures. In the surgery, the torn or unhealthy muscle is removed and the healthy end is reattached to the bone. The Surgery can be done with the Open incision or the arthroscopy approach. Physical therapy afterward is a must after the cast is removed. 

If you want to consult with Dr. Sumit Badhwar as well, then you can call us here    +919958611221, +91 7428951221  or you can also book an appointment here with him. Wishing you all a good health!