Tennis Elbow (or Lateral Epicondylitis)
What is tennis elbow (or lateral epicondylitis)?
Tennis Elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons
on the outside of the elbow, resulting in pain at the elbow
and running down the forearm. Even simple movements such as
shaking hands or opening a glass jar can be very painful.
The arm may tire easily or feel weak when using your hands,
and pain may increase when holding things, or when turning
or extending the wrist.
What are the risk factors for lateral epicondylitis?
Any use of the hands can lead to Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis
Elbow). Simple activities such as reaching, holding, pulling,
cutting or using a screwdriver can result in Tennis Elbow.
Repetition of these simple activities can cause this overuse
injury. As the injury progresses, small tears in the muscles
and tendons can develop, and pain can worsen as more of the
tendon is injured.
How can I treat tennis elbow at home?
Ice, rest and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications
are effective initial treatments for Tennis Elbow. If the
affected person is unable to reduce the aggravating activities,
such as job-related computer work, additional treatment may
be required. Cycles of improvement followed by painful aggravation
are common. Ice and rest can help reduce pain, but the elbow
will be re-injured if activity is resumed before the elbow
is completely healed.
What does in office treatment of lateral epicondylitis
involve?
Proper advanced treatment of Tennis Elbow uses stretching,
prescribed exercises, massage therapy and physiotherapy to
reduce muscle spasms and decrease inflammation. The medical
provider may use muscle therapy or manual treatments such
as the Graston Technique or Active Release Technique to actively
work on the muscles and speed healing.
Further treatment may be required in some cases. Your healthcare
provider can assess whether surgery or corticosteroid injection
may be recommended.
How can I further prevent tennis elbow?
Limiting or modifying aggravating activities at home, work
or during recreation will help prevent Tennis Elbow. Your
healthcare provider can review proper techniques to use during
these activities, and advise you on slowly building strength
in the elbow muscle to prevent Tennis Elbow long-term.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) can be successfully treated
to allow you to return your normal activities without pain.
Call Alpha Chiropractic today at (480) 812-1800 to have your
injury evaluated. For further information on the treatments
mentioned, click on services provided link Services
or Graston
Technique.
Back to Chiropractic Resources
 Dr. Carson Robertson is in private practice at
Alpha Chiropractic. His clinic services the
chiropractic, massage therapy, and physiotherapy
needs of the Chandler, Ahwatukee, and Gilbert area.
He has a special interest in athletics, running, and
soft tissue injuries. Carson Robertson DC can be
reached at (480) 812-1800. |
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