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Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury causing inflammation and microtears in the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). Despite its name, this condition affects both athletes and non-athletes alike.

Primary Causes and Risk Factors

Repetitive Motion Activities:
- Racquet sports (tennis, squash, badminton)
- Weight training and gym exercises
- Throwing sports (baseball, javelin)
Occupational Hazards:
- Computer use and typing
- Construction work (hammering, screwdriving)
- Painting and decorating
- Mechanical repairs
Other Contributing Factors:
- Poor technique or equipment in sports
- Sudden increase in activity intensity
- Age-related tendon degeneration (common in 30-50 age group)

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common Symptoms:

Dull, aching pain on outer elbow
Pain that radiates down forearm
Weak grip strength
Pain when:
- Shaking hands
- Turning doorknobs
- Holding coffee cups
- Lifting objects

Diagnostic Process:

Physical examination (Cozen’s test, Mill’s test)
Medical history review
Imaging studies (ultrasound or MRI if needed)

Effective Treatment Strategies

Conservative Treatments (First Line Approach):

Activity Modification: Rest from aggravating activities
Ice Therapy: 15-20 minutes several times daily
NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen for pain/inflammation
Physical Therapy:
- Eccentric strengthening exercises
- Stretching routines
- Ultrasound therapy
- Manual therapy techniques
Bracing:
- Counterforce braces
- Wrist splints for night use

Advanced Interventions (For Persistent Cases):

Corticosteroid Injections: For short-term pain relief
PRP Therapy: Natural healing promotion
Shock Wave Therapy: Non-invasive tissue stimulation
Botox Injections: For chronic cases

Surgical Options (Rarely Needed):

Open tendon repair
Arthroscopic debridement
Ultrasonic tenotomy

Recovery Timeline and Expectations

Initial Phase (2-4 weeks): Pain reduction through rest and therapy
Rehabilitation Phase (4-8 weeks): Gradual strengthening
Full Recovery (3-6 months): Return to normal activities
Prevention Phase: Ongoing maintenance exercises

Prevention Strategies

Proper Technique: Sports instruction and ergonomic assessment
Equipment Check: Appropriate racquet size and grip
Gradual Progression: Slow increase in activity intensity
Regular Stretching: Forearm and wrist flexibility exercises
Strength Maintenance: Ongoing forearm strengthening

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a healthcare provider if:

Pain persists despite 2 weeks of self-care
Unable to carry objects or use arm
Elbow shows signs of deformity
Numbness or tingling develops
Night pain interferes with sleep

Long-Term Outlook

With proper treatment:

80-90% of cases resolve with conservative care
Most patients return to full activity
Recurrence rates are low with preventive measures
Chronic cases may require ongoing management

Tennis elbow typically responds well to comprehensive treatment approaches. Early intervention and proper rehabilitation are key to successful recovery and prevention of recurrence. For optimal results, work with physical therapists and sports medicine specialists to develop a personalized treatment plan.