Causes and risk factors
Tennis elbow occurs due to repetitive use of the muscles of the forearm, So it is commonly seen in people who are engaged in profession like tennis players, carpenters, painters, and drivers. It can also occur due to injury to the muscles. Other causes of tennis elbow are radial head osteophytes, radial head capsulitis, bursitis or entrapment of the nerve of the forearm.
Symptoms
The cardinal symptoms of tennis elbow are pain while doing certain movement like shaking hands, holding things in hand. The pain may radiate up to the arm or to the wrist.
Weakness of hands occurs. Tennis elbow as such does not pose any risk to health. However if the treatment is neglected it can cause chronic pain and restriction in movement of the elbow and arm.
Investigations and diagnosis
The diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and physical examination. Certain physical examination is carried out by the orthopedic doctor. Investigations like X-ray of the elbow is done.MRI to detect the wear and tear of the muscles can be advised. Electromyography can be advised in to rule out the nerve compression.
Treatment
Change in lifestyles is necessary to correct the pain. Adequate rest, correction of wrong postures and regular exercises needs to be adopted. Wearing of braces and supports to hold the joint in alignment during movement, cold and hot compressions along with medications can be advised. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID), steroid and pain relieving drugs are prescribed. In severe cases corticosteroid injections and topical pain relieving gels and lubricants are advised. Patients who are not responding to medications and with underlying are treated with surgical intervention. The essential preventive measure one should implement is regular exercises which will strengthen the muscles and avoidance of over use of the muscles by people who are involved in tennis playing, gardening or painting.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Acupuncture which is the science of insertion of fine needles on the certain stimulating spots on the body has proved to be effective. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
Recent update:
A new study has revealed that Botulinum toxin, which irons out facial wrinkles through injections of the drug Botox, can provide relief for tennis elbow.
