Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that is characterized by pain and inflammation in the elbow which is often caused by damaged or macerated tendons and ligaments in the elbow. As the name suggests, tennis elbow is common among tennis players as they use their elbow the most during play. Overusing the elbow and stressing it without giving it adequate rest can damage or overwork the muscles causing tennis elbow. The muscles in the forearm connect the elbow to the hand and are important in supporting the arm as well as transferring energy and support to the hand to execute actions. When these muscles get overworked they damage the tendons in the elbow that help in the flexibility of the arm at the elbow. Tennis elbow is a condition when these tendons of the elbow get damaged or ruptured and hence is a type of tendonitis.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
One of the first noticeable symptoms of tennis elbow is pain and inflammation of the elbow and the tendons around it. The pain begins gradually and leaving it untreated can cause stinging pain.
Tenderness is often noticed around the elbow region which can be due to tennis elbow. The tenderness is often felt on the bony knob like protrusion on your elbow.
The irritation, tenderness, and pain can grow into the forearm and can render the arm useless as any activity using the arm would become excruciatingly painful.
When you feel pain during lifting something, making a fist, opening a door or turning something, or raising your hand or wrist, know that it might be due to tennis elbow.
What are the Causes of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is not a condition that strikes suddenly. It often occurs gradually and is causes due to repetitive motion of the elbow joint. Gripping a racquet and swinging it exerts pressure on the elbow and hence lateral epicondylitis is common among individuals who play racquet sports, especially tennis. Other sports that might cause tennis elbow are:
Racquetball
Squash
Badminton
Fencing
Weight Lifting
Other activities that might cause tennis elbow include:
Carpentry
Typing
Painting
Raking
Knitting
Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Treating tennis elbow is not a complicated process but requires the right tennis elbow products and the right direction from a medical professional. Treatment options include:
Pain Relief – Pain relief is the first step as it is one of the most troubling symptoms of tennis elbow. Pain from tennis elbow can be relieved using therapies such as, cold therapy, heat therapy, electrotherapy, sound therapy, magnetic therapy, etc., pain relief ointments or lotions and pain reliever caplets (prescribed my a medical professional).
Elbow Supports – Elbow supports offer intermittent pressure and complete support to the elbow thus helping rehabilitate the affected elbow and also reducing pain and inflammation by improving blood circulation to the elbow.
Elbow Braces– Elbow braces are designed to offer immobilization and protect the elbow from further damage. Immobilization allows the elbow to heal itself and prevents any outside force to further affect the elbow. They can be used in combination with other pain relief aids for faster treatment and management.
Preventing Tennis Elbow
Rest - Since tennis elbow is often caused due to repetitive action of the elbow, giving the elbow appropriate time to rest is one of the first ways to prevent tennis elbow. Giving adequate rest to the muscles and tendons of the elbows allows them to breathe, increases blood circulation to the elbow and thus reduces the chances of tennis elbow.
Elbow Sleeves and Kinesiology Tapes- Wearing elbow sleeves and kinesiology tapes can help support the elbow by absorbing the stress and the pressure that is exerted on the elbow during the excessive usage of the elbow. They are designed to fit the contours of the elbow and give adequate protection and support to the elbow.
Exercise and Rehab– Exercise can help strengthen the muscles of the elbow. Exercise just doesn’t help strengthen the muscles but makes them habitual to absorbing stress and pressure and thus making them less vulnerable to tennis elbow and other elbow related conditions.
Where to Buy the Best Tennis Elbow Products Online?
At Rehab Store, we have an extensive range of premium and best tennis elbow products that help in excellent pain relief and manage discomfort and inflammation. Choose from the best aids for tennis elbow at amazing prices and discounts from top manufacturers and brands.
