Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury that affects the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can occur in anyone who performs repetitive motions with their arm, not just tennis players.

What is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?

Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis that occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow become inflamed or damaged. The condition typically develops gradually over time due to repetitive motions or overuse of the forearm muscles.

Causes and Risk Factors

As mentioned, repetitive motions and overuse of the forearm muscles are the most common causes of tennis elbow. This can occur in a variety of activities, such as playing tennis, painting, typing, using a computer mouse, or lifting weights. However, other risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing tennis elbow, including:

• Age: The condition is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

• Gender: Men and women are equally likely to develop tennis elbow.

• Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive motions, such as carpentry, plumbing, and cooking, can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.

• Sports participation: Any sport that involves repetitive arm motions, such as tennis, golf, and baseball, can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. The pain may also extend down the forearm and worsen with gripping or lifting objects. Other symptoms may include:

• Weakness in the forearm

• Stiffness in the elbow

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

Complications

If left untreated, tennis elbow can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion in the elbow and forearm. Additionally, some people may experience difficulty performing daily tasks, such as carrying groceries or typing on a keyboard.

Prevention

Preventing tennis elbow involves taking steps to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition. This includes:

• Avoiding repetitive motions or overuse of the forearm muscles

• Maintaining proper technique and form during physical activities

• Using proper equipment, such as a tennis racket or computer mouse, that fits comfortably in the hand

• Stretching and warming up before physical activity

Treatment

Treatment for tennis elbow typically involves a combination of self-care measures and medical interventions. Self-care measures may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected arm. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Medical interventions may include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve range of motion in the elbow. Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term pain relief and reduce inflammation. Surgery may be necessary if other treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative therapies that may provide relief for tennis elbow symptoms. According to traditional Chinese medicine, tennis elbow is caused by an imbalance of energy or "qi" in the body. Acupuncture and acupressure aim to restore balance by stimulating specific points on the body.

Research on the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure for tennis elbow is mixed. Some studies have found that these therapies can provide short-term pain relief and improve range of motion in the elbow. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and safety of these therapies for treating tennis elbow.

One study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture combined with physical therapy was more effective than physical therapy alone for treating tennis elbow. Another study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupressure was effective in reducing pain and improving grip strength in people with tennis elbow.

It is important to note that while alternative therapies may provide relief for some people, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative therapies.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow is a common injury that can cause pain and limited range of motion in the elbow and forearm. It is typically caused by repetitive motions or overuse of the forearm muscles. While self-care measures and medical interventions are the most common treatments, alternative therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure may provide relief for some people. It is important to take steps to prevent tennis elbow by avoiding repetitive motions, maintaining proper form during physical activity, and using proper equipment. If you are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2013). Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/

• Coombes, B. K., Bisset, L., & Vicenzino, B. (2015). Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for management of tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Lancet, 386(9990), 262-268.

• Kalichman, L., & Vulfsons, S. (2013). Dry needling in the management of musculoskeletal pain. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 26(6), 692-700.

• Kim, Y. S., Lee, J. H., Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., & Kim, J. I. (2013). Acupuncture for tennis elbow: a systematic review. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 6(5), 224-227.

• Lee, J. H., Kim, Y. S., Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., & Kim, J. I. (2015). Acupressure for lateral epicondylitis: a randomized controlled pilot study. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(1), 28-34.

• Mayo Clinic. (2019). Tennis elbow. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tennis-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20351987

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2019). Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis