Understanding Tennis elbow
What is it?
This condition is an overuse injury affecting the attachment point (origin) of forearm muscles responsible for maintaining a tight grip and extending the wrist. These muscles originate from the outer part of the elbow joint, run along the forearm, and attach to the back of the hand. The primary area of pain and discomfort is at the muscles’ origin, located on the outer side of the elbow.
The pain is typically triggered by activities requiring a firm grip, such as lifting weights, using a drill, or hammering. Overuse of the wrist extensor muscles places excessive strain on their tendons, leading to hyaline degeneration, microscopic tears, and inflammation. This results in pain and reduced wrist joint mobility.
How Can It Be Managed?
Conservative Management
- Rest, Ice, and Activity Modification
- Resting from tasks that provoke pain and applying ice are recommended during the initial stages.
- Strengthening Exercises and Stretching
- A physiotherapist-supervised exercise program has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms and improve function.
- Manual Therapy
- Techniques such as massage, dry needling, joint mobilizations, and shockwave therapy can help reduce symptoms and enhance recovery.
Medical Management
- Medication
- Your general practitioner (GP) may prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medications when necessary.
- Injections
- If conservative treatments prove ineffective or symptoms worsen, a steroid injection at the muscle origin may provide relief. However, these effects are typically temporary.
For optimal results, consult with a qualified physiotherapist who can assess your condition and provide a tailored treatment plan.
Deep Sidhu
Physiotherapist (BPhty)