Tennis Elbow Treatment in Chunni-ganj, Kanpur
Sports are the best way to stay fit and healthy. If you play sports for fun and burn calories, you will avoid visibly dangerous sports. However, sports that seem harmless can also bring you harmful conditions like Tennis Elbow.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition that affects your grip and muscle strength in your arms. It can cause inflammation and pain in your elbow joint.
The muscle tendons in your forearms are attached to the outside of your elbow. Thus, the tennis elbow pain radiates to your forearm and wrist.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
Symptoms associated with Tennis elbow are easy to recognize. The tendons injured by the tennis elbow are connected to the outside of your elbow. Consequently, the most tender and painful area is the outside bone of your elbow.
The most common tennis elbow symptoms are:
- Mild elbow pain that increases over time.
- Pain spreading out to your forearm, and wrist.
- Pain while performing any twisting motion like opening a doorknob, squeezing, etc.
- Pain while lifting weights.
- Straightening your arm and stretching your wrist.
Tennis elbow only affects the outside of your bone. If the inner tendons of your elbow are in pain, then you are not suffering from tennis elbow. Rather, you are facing a similar condition called a golfer's elbow that targets inner tendons.
What are the causes of Tennis Elbow?
If you are extending your arm, the muscle that supports this motion is the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) muscle. Overuse of the ECRB muscle can cause strain which leads to tennis elbow.
The repeated motion can create microscopic tears in the tendons causing inflammation and pain. Some sports require repetitive twisting and straightening of your hand. For instance:
- Tennis
- Squash
- Golf
- Racquetball
- Weight Lifting
- Swimming
However, people who have never grabbed a racquet in their hands can also suffer from tennis elbow. Many other activities can be the reason for this condition:
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
- Typing
- Driving Screws
Even regular activities like turning a key can be the reason for your tennis elbow.
When to see a doctor in Kanpur?
Tennis elbow heals after proper rest and self-care. This condition heals over time but if ignored, it can get worse.
If rest and over-the-counter medication doesn't reduce your symptoms, it's time to see a doctor.
Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur
Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment
How to Prevent Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is caused by the excess strain on your ECRB muscle. The best way to prevent it is to avoid overuse. As soon as you feel any pain, stop right there.
If you are a professional athlete or associated with a profession that makes you prone to tennis elbow, you don't have the liberty to stop. In such cases, you can prevent tennis elbow by:
- Stretching before any sport or activity.
- Icing your elbow after the game or work.
- Use the right equipment.
- Correct your posture.
- Take proper rest if you are hurt.
- Exercise regularly to maintain strength and flexibility.
Incorporating these habits into your routine can lower your chances of having tennis elbow exponentially.
What are the Possible Tennis Elbow Treatments in Kanpur?
Usually, under proper care, the tennis elbow heals on its own. Along with rest, you can speed up the healing process by:
- Icing
- Range of Motion Exercises
- Using straps for extra support
The second line of tennis elbow treatment includes:
- Medication: You should consult your doctor before taking any medication. Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory (NSAIDs) medication like aspirin, naproxen can relieve pain and swelling.
- Therapy: Physiotherapy can help in increasing flexibility and strengthening your muscles.
- Steroids: It is not advised to take these injections for the long term. However, they can provide instant relief from pain.
If your condition doesn't respond to any of the treatments, you may need surgery.
The severely damaged part of your tendons is removed by the surgical procedure. The remaining tendons are reattached to the bone. The removal of tendons can lead to the loss of muscle strength.
Your arm is immobilized to rehabilitate flexibility and strength.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is like any other injury. It requires the right treatment at the right time. In its early phase, it doesn't require any special treatment. However, ignorance can increase the severity of the condition. Always go for the right course of treatment for quick healing and relief.
Any exercise or activity that increases pain and inflammation should be avoided. If you are advised to rest, you should not get back to that sport or activity until your condition heals completely.
Slightly damaged muscle tendons due to tennis elbow will get better without treatment. It usually takes from 6 months to 1 year to heal the tennis elbow.
An elbow brace can save you from any sudden blow or unexpected movements that can worsen your situation. You can wear it throughout the day or night if you are comfortable with it. It will help you in reducing pain and symptoms.