Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive motions of the forearm muscles and can lead to inflammation and pain. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to get it. It is a common condition among individuals who perform repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions with their hands and wrists.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Common tennis elbow symptoms include:
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Pain on the outer elbow: A gradual onset of pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow.
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Pain that radiates: The pain may radiate down your forearm to your wrist.
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Weakness: A weakened grip and pain when shaking hands or holding objects.
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Pain with activity: Pain that worsens with wrist bending activities, such as lifting a coffee cup or using a screwdriver.
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
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Consultant hand, elbow and shoulder surgeon Mr Shyamalan can diagnose tennis elbow with a physical examination. He will assess your pain levels and test your muscle strength. An ultrasound or MRI can also be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of elbow pain.
How is tennis elbow treated?
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Treatment for tennis elbow focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and allowing the tendons to heal.
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Rest: The most important first step is to rest the affected arm and avoid the activities that trigger your pain.
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Physical therapy: Targeted exercises can help stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles.
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Anti inflammatory medication: Over the counter or prescription anti inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling.
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Steroid injections: A steroid injection into the affected tendon can provide significant pain relief.
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Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option to remove damaged tendon tissue.
Find relief for your elbow pain
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If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain that is affecting your daily life, it's time to seek expert care. As a leading hand surgeon and expert in elbow conditions, Mr Shyamalan provides comprehensive diagnosis and tailored tennis elbow treatment.
Book a consultation with us today at Midland Hand Clinic to get back to the activities you love.