Tennis Elbow is a relatively common condition which causes pain to the outside of the elbow. The pain can radiate around the outside of the elbow and despite its name, it isn’t always related to playing sport or sports injury. Tennis Elbow becomes more common as you age and usually it resolves itself quickly.
Tennis Elbow is a particular type of tendinopathy. It affects the tendons in the arm and it usually occurs in the arm you use most frequently. The condition sometimes comes back once clearing up and the pain can last from around 6 months to 2 years on average.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common sign of Tennis Elbow is tenderness and pain to the outside of the elbow itself and also in the forearm muscles. It doesn’t usually extend to the hand or upper arm. Symptoms may develop over time or be linked to a specific event or injury. The pain may be mild or so severe that you have trouble sleeping or carrying out regular tasks such as carrying plates and cups.
Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow may not cause significant pain. In these cases you can treat yourself at home. If the pain is severe, visit a doctor. You may find they prescribe painkillers but more importantly you may be referred to a specialist dependent on the severity of the condition. You may also have imaging tests such as an ultrasound and X-Ray to rule out other causes of pain such as fractures or osteoarthritis.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
If the pain from your Tennis Elbow is severe then more than the regular over-the-counter medication treatment. You may be able to have a steroid injection into your joint and this can help movement return to the area and also reduce the pain.
Physical therapy can also help. Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist. They will work with you to carry out gentle exercises to improve movement and mobility in the able. They may also help with strengthening the elbow to help speed up your recovery.
Tennis Elbow can be a common and not severe condition. However, the pain can be very hard to bear, and professional help should be sought in this instance. Dr Stephanie Barrett treats patients with many joint and soft tissue complaints. You can get in touch today to discuss your condition and arrange an appointment.
