Tennis elbow, whose medical name is lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons in your outer elbow become irritated or inflamed due to overuse. The pain from tennis elbow can be felt from the bony bump of your elbow to the wrist, and it hurts to make gripping motions.
If you have pain in your forearm, it is in your best interest to have an evaluation by an orthopedic doctor. Elbow injuries that are left untreated or are improperly treated can become a chronic problem.
Tennis elbow can happen for reasons far beyond just playing tennis. Let’s talk about some of the most common causes of tennis elbow, and where you can go for a medical assessment and treatment that works for you.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow – which involves the tendons in the outer elbow – is the opposite of golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), which involves the tendons in the inner elbow. Your occupation or your favorite hobby can increase your risk of developing tennis elbow, particularly those that involve spending extended periods of time performing gripping hand motions.
Landscapers, painters, plumbers, construction workers, and butchers frequently tend to develop tennis elbow. In sports, in addition to tennis players, it can affect those who play badminton, baseball, and squash.
It is very important to keep your arm muscles strong and in good shape and to use the proper form and posture in order to avoid developing this tendon inflammation. Ideally, it is best to use your muscles in your shoulder and upper arm in order to take the load off of the elbow tendons.
What Is the Treatment?
Tennis elbow may get better on its own, especially when you implement the RICE method on the affected elbow area:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
If the RICE method fails to improve your symptoms, see an orthopedic physician. The doctor will give you a thorough evaluation of your arm and elbow, possibly including imaging scans, and provide a diagnosis.
Once you receive a diagnosis of the cause of your elbow pain, you can receive appropriate treatment. A mild case of tennis elbow may warrant only physical therapy, while a more advanced tennis elbow may require minor surgical intervention.
Forearm, wrist, and finger stretching and strengthening exercises can help with healing and can also be preventive. A physical therapist can show you proper form and explain how to use the tools in order to lessen the strain on your elbows.
Tennis Elbow Treatment in Sarasota and Bradenton
If you are experiencing pain in your elbow, arm, or any other joints and muscles, our orthopedic surgeons here at Intercoastal Medical Group can efficiently diagnose your condition and recommend treatment as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor, call our Beneva Professional Center in Sarasota or our Lakewood Ranch office in Bradenton. If you prefer, you can also fill out our convenient online request form. We look forward to serving you!
