Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Affecting not only athletes but also individuals in various professions, such as painters, carpenters, and plumbers, it arises from repetitive strain and overuse of forearm muscles and tendons. The good news is that most cases of tennis elbow can be effectively managed with the right approach. The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice is committed to providing you with actionable information and deep value to help you understand and overcome tennis elbow pain. Let’s explore treatment for tennis elbow pain together.

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow involves inflammation of the forearm muscles where they attach to the outside of the elbow. Specifically, the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon is commonly affected. Typical symptoms include pain and burning on the outside of the elbow, as well as weakened grip strength. These symptoms usually develop gradually and can worsen over time if left unaddressed.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain or burning sensation on the outer elbow
• Weakened grip strength
• Gradual worsening of symptoms over weeks or months

Primary Treatment for Tennis Elbow Pain

The initial steps in treatment for tennis elbow pain involve reducing inflammation and allowing the irritated muscles and tendons to rest. Here’s how you can start:

• Rest: Stop or reduce activities that aggravate your elbow.
• Ice: Apply ice packs for  minutes every  to  hours to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression: Use a compression bandage to wrap your elbow, which can further help reduce inflammation.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Tennis Elbow Pain

Fortunately, most cases of tennis elbow respond well to non-surgical treatments. Here are several effective options:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical Therapy: Engaging in specific exercises and stretches can improve blood flow, strength, and flexibility in the forearm muscles. A physical therapist can also employ techniques such as ice therapy, muscle stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.
• Bracing: Using a brace centered over the back of your forearm can provide support and reduce stress on the muscles and tendons. Forearm or wrist splinting may also be recommended to limit motion and promote healing.
• Injections: In some cases, steroid injections may be administered to relieve swelling and pain. However, these should be used sparingly due to potential long-term effects. Other injection options include Botox and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Exercises for Treatment for Tennis Elbow Pain

Specific exercises can significantly aid in treatment for tennis elbow pain. Here are a few to get you started:

• Finger Stretch: Place a rubber band around your fingers and thumb, then spread them apart and close them. Perform three sets of , repeating – times a day.
• Ball Squeeze: Hold a tennis ball or stress ball and squeeze and release it. Repeat  times, – times a week. If painful, use a softer object.
• Wrist Stretches: Extend your arm straight with your palm down, then gently pull your fingers toward your body to stretch your inner forearm. Hold for  seconds and repeat five times. You can also do this with your palm facing up to stretch the outer forearm.
• Weighted Wrist Flexion and Extension: With your elbow at  degrees, hold a weight and slowly raise and lower your hand, rotating your palm down for extension and up for flexion.
• Weighted Wrist Rotation: Similar to the above, rotate your wrist from a palm-down to a palm-up position.
• Towel Twists: Towel twists can also help.

Other Treatment for Tennis Elbow Pain Modalities

• Mulligan Mobilisation with Movement and Taping: This physical therapy technique repositions muscles to protect injured tendons.
• Needle Fenestration: An ultrasound guides a needle into the injured tendon to boost blood flow and healing.
• Ultrasonic Tenotomy: Also known as Tenex, this procedure uses ultrasound to remove damaged tissue from the tendon.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: Shock waves are directed at the injured tissue to relieve pain and promote healing.

Surgical Options

If non-surgical treatments are ineffective, minimally invasive surgery may be considered. This approach involves smaller incisions, less pain, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

Seeking Personalized Care

Tennis elbow can worsen without proper treatment, especially if you continue repetitive movements. The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice emphasizes the importance of personalized care to address your specific needs and condition. Remember, early intervention and appropriate management can significantly improve your outcomes and help you return to your daily activities pain-free. Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back any longer; explore how to alleviate tennis elbow pain with expert tips from a medical professional!