If you've ever experienced a persistent, nagging pain on the outer part of your elbow, you might be wondering, “What is tennis elbow?” Despite its name, tennis elbow doesn’t only affect tennis players (however, a number of your favorite tennis stars have had this condition!). This condition, also known as lateral epicondylitis in its acute phase or lateral epicondylalgia in its chronic phase, is a common injury caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. While it can result from playing racquet sports, it frequently develops in people performing repetitive wrist and arm movements in daily life or work.
What is it?
Tennis elbow is a painful condition that arises from inflammation or small tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer elbow. These tendons, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), help stabilize the wrist during activities like gripping, lifting, or typing. Over time, repetitive stress on these tendons can lead to tiny tears, inflammation, and pain.
Common causes of tennis elbow include:
Sports: Activities like tennis, squash, or badminton that involve repetitive arm motions.
Work-related tasks: Professions like carpentry, painting, or plumbing often require repeated wrist and arm movements.
Hobbies: Gardening, knitting, or playing musical instruments can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
Interestingly, there’s a related condition called golfer’s elbow, which affects the tendons on the inner part of the elbow (medial epicondylitis). Although the symptoms and treatments are similar, golfer’s elbow pain occurs on the opposite side of the elbow.
The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. This pain may:
Worsen with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions.
Radiate down the forearm toward the wrist.
Make it difficult to perform daily tasks like holding a coffee mug or shaking hands.
Recovery Time
One of the most common questions about this condition is, “How long does it last?” The tennis elbow recovery time can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. For most people, tennis elbow improves with conservative treatments within 6 to 12 weeks. However, in some cases, recovery can take several months or even up to a year.
Factors that can influence recovery time include:
The extent of tendon damage.
How early treatment begins.
Whether the affected tendons are given adequate rest.
Commitment to rehabilitation exercises and other treatments.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
While tennis elbow can be frustrating, the good news is that most cases can be effectively treated without surgery. Here are the most common tennis elbow treatment options:
1. Rest and Activity Modification
Resting the affected arm and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain is crucial. This allows the damaged tendons to heal and prevents further injury and is most important in the acute phase for the first several days to weeks.
2. Ice Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Applying ice
packs to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This is again an acute phase treatment and does is not necessary after the first several days to weeks unless additional trauma is prolonging this phase.
3. Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. Eccentric strengthening exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle while under tension, are particularly effective once the acute phase has resolved.
4. Braces, Supports, and Taping
Wearing a counterforce brace or strap as well as taping techniques by a physical therapist can reduce stress on the tendons and alleviate pain during activities. Fan favorite HERE.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation in the earlier stages.
6. Corticosteroid Injections
In some cases, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. However, these are typically not a long-term solution.
7. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the affected tendon to promote healing. This is an emerging treatment option with promising results.
8. Surgery for Tennis Elbow
For severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments after 6-12 months, surgical intervention may be considered to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.
Preventing Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
To avoid developing tennis elbow or its counterpart, golfer’s elbow, consider the following tips:
Warm up properly before engaging in activities that involve repetitive arm motions.
Use proper technique when playing sports or performing physical tasks.
Strengthen your forearm muscles with targeted exercises.
Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks to avoid overuse.
Use ergonomic tools and equipment to minimize strain on your arms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tennis elbow is a common and often painful condition that can interfere with daily life and activities. Understanding what tennis elbow is and how it develops is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery. While tennis elbow recovery time varies, most people can manage their symptoms with rest, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. If you’re dealing with persistent elbow pain, consult a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and get back to the activities you enjoy.
