Tennis elbow is the most common form of pain on the outside of the elbow. Its frequency in the general population is between 1-3%. Although it is called tennis elbow, 95% of it occurs in individuals who are not tennis players.
How does tennis elbow occur?
Tennis elbow is where the forearm and wrist muscles attach to the bone on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition. It is a disease caused by overuse of the forearm and wrist muscles. Tennis elbow affects the muscles on the outer surface of the forearm. In tennis elbow, there is degeneration and tension at the attachment point of the muscles on the protruding bone on the outer side of the elbow, which we call the lateral epicondyle. There is thickening and micro tears on the outer part of the elbow where the muscles attach to the bone. There is tissue weakness. It occurs as a result of overload due to repetitive overuse.
What are the complaints in tennis elbow?
A patient with tennis elbow typically has local elbow pain. Pain in the elbow may radiate towards the hand. Hand gripping strength is weakened secondary to muscle fatigue and pain. Pain may increase with upward bending of the wrist. Patients often describe pain in the elbow area when lifting even a full glass. They have difficulty in daily living activities such as opening a door, holding a kettle, turning a key. In the initial stages of tennis elbow disease, it becomes severe only during strenuous work, but over time, pain begins to occur during rest. Cervical disc herniation and some nerve compressions in the forearm can also cause pain in the elbow area.
Who gets tennis elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis is quite common in people who make repetitive arm movements, especially in people who use computers, lift heavy items, are exposed to repetitive vibration, and in athletes and those who engage in racquet sports. However, lateral epicondylitis is also seen in golf, baseball and swimming. Tennis players with lateral epicondylitis are older, play frequently, and tend to be masters. This supports the idea that the mechanism of injury is repetitive overuse. Tennis elbow is common in people who do repetitive heavy labor. Works that require collecting small parts, And also Twisting or using traction can also cause tennis elbow. Although it is frequently seen in carpenters, it can also occur in meticulous housewives.
How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
Lateral epicondylitis is often easily diagnosed. Examination is often sufficient for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis. During manual examination, there is tenderness when pressure is applied to the elbow area. In advanced tennis elbow, there is tension and crepitus in the forearm muscles. There may be weakness in the hand and shoulder muscles due to pain. A neurological examination should be performed to exclude other neurological diseases that cause pain in the elbow.
What is the treatment for tennis elbow?
The main component of the treatment is to regulate the equipment and prevent work-related recurrences, and to address the underlying causes. Anti-inflammatory and painkillers help reduce pain. In the acute period, resting and applying ice may be sufficient along with drug therapy. There are various splints to reduce the load on the elbow muscles. If symptoms cannot be relieved with medication, ice and rest, more comprehensive treatment is required. Physical therapy, manual therapy, neural therapy, dry needle therapy, ozone therapy, PRP, kinesio tape application applied to the device can be applied to tennis elbow. Soft tissue mobilization and deep tissue massage stimulate healing. In some cases, cortisone injection into the painful area is recommended. All the treatments listed above must be supported by appropriate exercises. Before starting strengthening exercises, painless wrist movement should be achieved.
Recently, there have been studies on modalities such as acupuncture, shock wave therapy and laser treatment
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