Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are conditions characterized by pain and inflammation around the elbow. Tennis elbow involves the outer part of the elbow, while golfer's elbow affects the inner side.

Symptoms:

• Pain on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer's elbow) side of the elbow.

• Tenderness and swelling.

• Weakness in grip strength.

Causes:

• Repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons.

• Overuse or improper technique in sports like tennis or golf.

• Activities requiring repetitive gripping or wrist movements.

Treatment:

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the condition to allow the elbow to heal.

• Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling.

• Bracing/Taping: Use braces or taping techniques to provide support to the affected tendons.

• Physical Therapy: Engage in exercises to strengthen forearm muscles and improve flexibility.

• Activity Modification: Adjust or temporarily halt activities that strain the affected tendons.

• Ergonomic Changes: Modify equipment or technique to reduce strain on the elbow during activities.

• Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend injections to reduce inflammation.

• Gradual Return to Activity: Once symptoms subside, gradually reintroduce activities with proper warm-up and technique.