Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis or common extensor tendinopathy, is a common condition that affects the elbow joint. It is characterised by pain and inflammation in the outer part of the elbow and is usually caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm such as those performed during tennis, weightlifting, or manual labour.

The good news is that there are several treatment options available for tennis elbow. In this article, we discuss some of the most common and effective treatments for this condition.

  • Rest and Ice

Resting the affected arm and applying ice to the elbow are simple yet effective ways to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This treatment works by reducing the blood flow to the affected area, which in turn reduces swelling and pain.

To rest the elbow, you can avoid activities that aggravate the pain, such as playing tennis or lifting heavy objects. Applying ice to the elbow for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day, can also help reduce inflammation and pain.

  • Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is another effective treatment option for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist can help you perform specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your arm and wrist, which can reduce the strain on the affected area and improve your overall range of motion.

Physiotherapy can also involve massage and other manual therapies to help reduce pain and inflammation. Your physiotherapist may also recommend the use of braces or other supportive devices to help reduce strain on the elbow joint.

  • Medications

Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce swelling and pain. Your Doctor or pharmacist can advise you on this.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids injections, which are potent anti-inflammatory medications that can be injected directly into the affected area. These injections can provide immediate relief from pain and inflammation, but they should only be used sparingly as they can weaken the tendons over time.

  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate the healing process in the affected area. During ESWT, a device is used to deliver shock waves to the elbow, which can help stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation.

ESWT is generally considered safe and effective, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Your health practitioner can help you determine whether ESWT is an appropriate treatment option for your specific case of tennis elbow.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a relatively new treatment option that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets into the affected area. Platelets are rich in growth factors and other healing substances, and they can help stimulate the healing process in the affected area.

PRP therapy has shown promising results in several studies, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness. It is also a more expensive treatment option than some of the other options discussed in this article.

  • Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe or chronic cases of tennis elbow that do not respond to other treatments. During surgery, the damaged tendon is typically removed and replaced with healthy tissue from another part of the body.

Surgery is generally considered a last resort and is only recommended after other treatments have been tried without success. Recovery from surgery can be lengthy, and physiotherapy is usually required to regain strength and range of motion in the affected arm.

In conclusion, tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause pain and inflammation in the outer part of the elbow. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available.