Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the hand and forearm. It is caused by repetitive use of the arm, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Treatment for tennis elbow typically includes rest, ice, and ibuprofen. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition that most often affects the elbow joint and can be caused by repetitive stress on the ligaments and tendons that support the joint.
Tennis elbow is classified as an overuse injury, meaning that it’s more common in people who engage in activities that put a lot of stress on their joints, like tennis.
People with tennis elbow typically experience pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow. Treatment usually includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery may also be necessary in severe cases.
The Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors, but most often it’s the result of overuse. Here are three of the main causes:
1. Overuse – Too much tennis playing can lead to inflammation and pain in the elbow joint. The more you play, the worse it will get.
2. Repetitive strain – The movement of the arm and hand in tennis repetitively puts stress on the elbow joint. This can cause inflammation and pain too.
3. Poor alignment – If your shoulder, neck, or back are out of alignment, they can also cause pain in your elbow. When these muscles and joints are misaligned, they don’t distribute pressure evenly and this can cause inflammation and pain.
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow:
1. Rest – Give your elbow time to heal properly by taking some time off from playing tennis. This will help reduce the amount of stress on the elbow and speed up the recovery process.
2. Modify your swing – Make sure you’re using proper form when you swing the racket. Try to keep your shoulders down and your elbow tucked into your side. This will reduce the amount of strain on the elbow joint.
3. Use a tennis ball that’s the right size – If you’re playing in tournaments or matches, use a harder ball that’s slightly bigger than what you would use for practice. This will provide more resistance and help you improve your skills.
If you’re experiencing tennis elbow, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. There are treatments available that can help relieve the pain and inflammation and can speed up the recovery process.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
If you have tennis elbow, there are a few things that you can do to ease the symptoms. First, make sure that you are using the right form when playing. This means using a moderate backswing with a flat hand strike. Be sure to warm up before each game and stretch afterward. If heat is not an option, try icing the elbow for 15-20 minutes after exercise. Finally, see your doctor for an assessment of whether the symptoms continue or worsen.
If you have tennis elbow, be sure to see your doctor for an assessment. There may be other causes of your symptoms that need to be investigated.
How to Treat Tennis Elbow
There is no definitive treatment plan for tennis elbow, as the condition can vary significantly from person to person. However, common treatments include rest, ice, and physical therapy. Here are some tips on how to treat tennis elbow with physical therapy:
1. Start by undergoing a physical exam to determine the severity of your injury. This will help determine which specific exercises are best for you.
2. Treat the inflammation and pain associated with tennis elbow with ice and ibuprofen. Apply icepacks to the area regularly throughout the day and take ibuprofen to relieve any pain or inflammation.
3. Participate in physical therapy exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint. These exercises should be carried out regularly under the guidance of a therapist.
4. Try wearing a support bandage to help keep the shoulder joint stable while completing these exercises. This will also reduce inflammation and pain in the area.
5. Always consult with a physician before starting any physical therapy exercises or treatments for tennis elbow.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of their age or fitness level. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms, as physical therapy can help alleviate the pain and inflammation that accompanies the tennis elbow. If left untreated, tennis elbow can lead to more serious conditions such as arthritis. So if you’re experiencing any discomfort in your hand or wrist, be sure to seek medical attention and work with a professional therapist who will help guide you on the best course of action for healing.