Tennis Elbow Symptoms and Treatment
Tennis elbow is a painful medical condition that is caused by the overt repetition of movement in the wrists. This condition leads to the inflammation of the tendons on the lateral end of the bicep muscle, which is located adjacently to the elbow. This part of the arm is otherwise known as the lateral epicondyle. Symptoms will typically range from pain to soreness or a dull aching of the arm muscles. Grasping objects with the hands can be a difficult task to accomplish, as well. Other terms that are officially recognized for this condition in the medical community are epitrochlear bursitis and Lateral epicondylitis.
Contrary to popular belief, this problem is one that is not limited to just tennis players. It is something that can happen to anyone who accidentally strains his or her wrists. These incidents are almost always traced back to active participation in a sports activity like racquetball, but that is not always the cause. Young people are also afflicted with this condition during rigorous play or physical activity. Young people who are involved in children's tennis are often placated with tennis elbow. Other people who are more commonly diagnosed with tennis elbow include those who spend long hours typing on a computer, construction workers, painters, cooks, dancers or anyone who frequently engages in the repetitive motion of their wrists.
Treating the tennis elbow condition will first require an official diagnosis by a qualified physician. Since x-rays generally do not show any signs of symptoms, doctors will typically resort to a physical examination in which the patient undergoes a series of small tests. The patient will be asked to perform certain movements of the arm, thus providing the physician with a clear idea of how well they are able to flex the arm muscles. Once a diagnosis has been made, the patient will either be administered a shot of cortisone or given a choice of antibiotics. Situations will vary. The patient will almost always be expected to wear a special arm brace until the condition heals. Surgical treatment is generally recommended if the condition does not subside after six months.
Contrary to popular belief, this problem is one that is not limited to just tennis players. It is something that can happen to anyone who accidentally strains his or her wrists. These incidents are almost always traced back to active participation in a sports activity like racquetball, but that is not always the cause. Young people are also afflicted with this condition during rigorous play or physical activity. Young people who are involved in children's tennis are often placated with tennis elbow. Other people who are more commonly diagnosed with tennis elbow include those who spend long hours typing on a computer, construction workers, painters, cooks, dancers or anyone who frequently engages in the repetitive motion of their wrists.
Treating the tennis elbow condition will first require an official diagnosis by a qualified physician. Since x-rays generally do not show any signs of symptoms, doctors will typically resort to a physical examination in which the patient undergoes a series of small tests. The patient will be asked to perform certain movements of the arm, thus providing the physician with a clear idea of how well they are able to flex the arm muscles. Once a diagnosis has been made, the patient will either be administered a shot of cortisone or given a choice of antibiotics. Situations will vary. The patient will almost always be expected to wear a special arm brace until the condition heals. Surgical treatment is generally recommended if the condition does not subside after six months.
Source...