What is Tennis elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis?
Tennis elbow, otherwise known as lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the extensor tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of your elbow. These are the muscles that help you extend your fingers, wrist, and thumb.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
Pain along the outside of your elbow which can radiate into the upper or lower arm. Although the damage is in the elbow, you're likely to hurt when doing things with your hands.
Tennis elbow may cause the most pain when you:
Lift something
Grip an object, such as a tennis racket
Open a door or shake hands
Gardening or using scissors
Why do I have tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow can be caused by repetitive overuse such as the following activities:
Repetitive Lifting / heavy lifting
Typing for long periods in a static position
Writing for long periods of time without a break
Repetitive twisting and gripping
Constant phone use
Playing Tennis for overly long periods of time
What is the treatment for tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow can sometimes be treated with immobilization and rest. This can often be done by wearing the following:
Counterforce Tennis Elbow Brace
Wrist Cock up or Thumb Spica Splint
Typical Exercises:
Eccentric Wrist exercises
Flexbar exercises
However these often are insufficient! Typically the next step is occupational or physical therapy, cortisone/corticosteroid injections, and then surgery.
Choose Happy Hands as your Portland Hand Clinic.
At Happy Hands we specialize in reducing pain in tennis elbow within the same visit and provide exercises that truly make a difference. We pride ourselves in holistic care that includes assessing posture, work positioning, lifting and need for further assessment and referral.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for further assessment.