As the weather gets warmer, doctors will likely see more cases of tennis elbow as well. Also known by its technical name lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow doesn’t just afflict tennis players. The malady is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow.
The muscles and tendons are affected by any activity that includes repetitive motions.
“Basically, it’s wear and tear by overload,” according to Dr. Matthew DesJardins. It can result from any repetitive motion, from swinging a golf club to work-related chores, and can affect simple activities like holding a coffee cup, turning a door knob or shaking hands, he said.
What is tennis elbow, exactly?
According to prevalent thought, most cases of lateral epicondylitis are due to damage of the carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon, which helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. The ECRB is just one of the tendons, often called extensors, which attach the muscles to bone. When the tendon is weakened by overuse, microscopic tears form where it attaches to the upper arm bone (the humerus) and forearm bones (the radius and ulna). That leads to the inflammation and pain.
The motion is most commonly connected to athletic pursuits like tennis and golf, but can be an occupational hazard, as well. Painters, plumbers and construction workers are also prone to the repetitive use injury.
How is it treated?
The good news is that most cases can be cured by rest. Approximately 90 percent of all tennis elbow cases are resolved just by avoiding the motion that created it for a few weeks, giving the tendons and muscles time to heal.
For more serious cases, most treatment is minor; non-steroidal medicines and anti-inflammatories can handle most cases. Your doctor may also talk to you about support equipment. In cases where tennis is indeed the culprit, your doctor may suggest a stiffer or looser-strung racquet to take some of the stress off your elbow. A brace centered on the back of your forearm may also relieve symptoms by adding support to the muscles and tendons.
Your doctor may even advise physical therapy, simple exercises to strengthen your forearm muscles, which will relieve tension on the tendons.
In a very small number of cases, those which do not respond to a few months of lesser treatments, surgery may be required. Most of those procedures “” which are needed in just about five percent of all cases “” a surgeon may need to remove damaged muscle and reattach the healthy muscle to bone. It’s a simple surgery, though hardly used.
In any case, should you start to feel a twinge in your elbow, it’s best to see your doctor right away. A simple test could keep you from missing court time or work, not to mention a lot of worry.
