Tennis elbow is a type of swelling of the tendons which results in pains in the elbow and arm. The band of tough tissue which links the muscles of the lower arm to the bone is called the tendons. Tennis elbow is not only common among people that play tennis has it can also affect other people who have never been to the tennis court. The major causes of tennis elbow have been found to be any repetitive activities which involve gripping most especially when the thumb and the first two fingers are used. One major reason why people visit their doctors due to pains in their elbow is that of tennis elbow. It can appear in people of any age, but most often it is common among individuals who are approximately 40 years of age.
What are the causes of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is widely known as an injury which occurs as a result of overuse. Tennis elbow occurs when the muscles and tendons of the forearm are strained because of recurring or intense activity. The tennis elbow may sometimes appear after a knock on the elbow.
Straining of the muscles and tendons of the forearm causes the development of tiny tears and inflammation close to the bony lump (lateral epicondyle) on the outer part of the elbow.
There is a high risk of developing tennis elbow in individuals whose forearm muscles are not used to some specific activities for example decoration. Moreover, even if you make use of your forearm muscles on a regular basis, they can still be injured.
Activities that can cause Tennis Elbow
You can develop a tennis elbow by practicing any form of activity that involves recurring twisting of your wrist and making use of the muscle of your forearm. Examples of such activities include:
• Practice racket sports such as tennis, badminton or squash
• Sports activities such as javelin or discus
• Making use of shears while gardening
• Use a brush or roller while decorating
• Manual work for example plumbing or bricklaying
• Other activities involving repeated bending of the elbow - like playing the violin
The symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common symptoms of tennis elbow are pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. Pains in the forearm and the back of your hand are also possible.
The pains which are caused by tennis elbow differs as they can range from mild discomfort when using the elbow to the intense pain that can be felt when the elbow is still.
The pains become aggravated when the arms are used mostly in movements that involve twisting. Repeated wrist movement, such as wrist extension and gripping, can also aggravate pain.
You will experience the following if you have tennis elbow:
• There will be a pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the elbow - pain can be spread to the forearm towards the wrist.
• Pain when lifting or bending the arms.
• Pain during writing or when you hold small objects such as when holding a pen.
• Pain when the forearm is twisted - for example, when you turn the handle of a door or when you try to open a jar.
• Pain and stiffness when the hand is fully extended.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Treatment for Tennis Elbow requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your elbow. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your elbow to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
