How
It Happens
A
tennis elbow is a common term for the Lateral Epicondylitis. It
is the inflammation of the wrist and finger tendons that attach
to the bone on the outer part of the elbow (the lateral
epicondyle).
Muscle and tendon overexertion causes pulling of tendon from
bone. This causes micro tearing of tendons, hemorrhage,
inflammation, scarring, degeneration and shortening of the
tendons. |
Black=Bone
Red=Muscle Green=Pain |
Symptoms
Pain:
There is pain and tenderness on the lateral (outside)
aspect of the elbow on the lateral epicondyle. Usually,
more severe pain can be felt during activities and there
may have diffuse discomfort down the forearm and into
the fingers.
Pain
is NOT limited to tennis players or athletes!
|
|
| There
are three stages of pain: |
-
Early
Stage: pain after play or work.
-
Middle Stage: pain during play or work.
-
Last Stage: pain at rest and or at night.
|
|
Painful activities include: |
- Grasping or squeezing a handle, a golf club or a tennis racquet.
- Computer
work and writing.
|
- Bending
and straightening elbow and
when rotating forearm.
- Painting
and hammering.
|
| Inflammation:
Inflammation will be present although it may not always be visible.
It is the result of the irritation of the tendon and the tear of
some tendon fibers. |
X-Rays:
Usually nothing shows on x-ray. There may be some calcium deposit in
advanced stage only. |
- Occupational overuse
- Weak
forearm muscles or imbalance
between flexor and extensor muscle
groups.
- Weak
grip strength.
- Poor
fitting equipment– grip size or
weight of club or racquet.
|
- Overuse in a sporting or daily activity.
- Inadequate
flexibility or endurance.
- Improper
technique.
- Direct
trauma.
- Untreated
past injury of the upper
extremity or fracture.
- Cervical
spine nerve pinching or
adverse tension.
|
|
- Rest
from
painful activities
- Icing
will help decrease the inflammation and the pain.
- Analyze
and correct your technique in sporting or occupational
activities.
- Make
sure you stretch
properly
before and after each activity.
- Compressive
bracing
prevents tendon pulling from bone and absorbs vibration.
- Have
an expert look at your equipment and change it if
required.
|
|
| Will
Physiotherapy Help Me? |
| A
physiotherapist will assess your condition and determine the origin of
your pain. Your treatment plan will address both the local symptoms
such as pain and inflammation as well as the cause of your pain (see
causes above).
If
you have developed this problem through a specific activity, your
physiotherapist can review your technique and make recommendations to
avoid injury.
You
will also be given an exercise program that will include proper
stretching and strengthening exercises, to maintain the flexibility
and strength of the wrist, elbow and shoulder muscles. With the help
of modalities,
physiotherapy will reduce your symptoms
and promote healing. |
|
