Tennis elbow
The name of this condition may seem to suggest that the main cause of pains in the elbow region is playing tennis. It is not true, since it is often triggered by work in an improper and constrained sitting position with incorrectly adjusted height of the working table-top, resulting in an overload of the forearm tendons, especially in people performing monotonous manual work, e.g. typing on a keyboard for a long time. Proper treatment usually relieves these symptoms, but it may take as long as 6 months.
What is "tennis elbow"?
Tennis elbow is an inflammatory condition of the outside of the elbow, caused by overuse of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. The inflammation affects muscles, tendons, periosteum and the so-called lateral epicondyle of the humeral bone.
Causes:
The most common factor contributing to this condition are tiny tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone, caused by:
- Frequent, repetitive micro-injuries of the elbow, sustained during physical exercise or hard work requiring monotonous movements of the forearm
- Sudden overload of the forearm muscles
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness in the lateral side of the elbow
- Intensification of pain during twisting movements of the forearm, e.g. when using a screwdriver
- Weakened hand grip force
- Swelling and redness of the elbow
Treatment
- It is usually recommended to rest the arm and discontinue sports or work that intensify the symptoms
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relieving injections or steroid medications
- Sometimes it is necessary to immobilize the sick limb with an elbow brace
- Cold or warm compresses
- Physiotherapy and massage
- In some cases a surgical intervention is required to release the attachment of the forearm muscles
Prevention:
- Adjusting the intensity of sports activities to individual fitness levels
- Taking frequent breaks during sports activities and repetitive job tasks
- Strengthening the forearm muscles with regular exercise, gradually increasing the load on the muscles
- Warming up the relevant muscles before beginning a possibly stressful activity, especially before sports competitions
- Maintaining a proper posture during work at a desk.
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