Do you often struggle with pain on the outside of your elbow? Perhaps you feel this pain when you lift a cup of tea, open a door, or even just shake someone's hand? While many people think this is normal, it could be a symptom of a condition called 'Tennis Elbow'. Despite the name 'tennis', this is not a disease that only affects tennis players. In fact, nine out of ten people who have this condition do not develop it because of tennis. So let's get to the bottom of it.
Simply put, what is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow is an injury to a tendon in your elbow. A tendon is a strong tissue that connects our muscles to our bones, like a rope. The muscles in your forearm are attached to the back of your elbow by a tendon like this. When we do the same movement over and over again, like a rope being pulled in the same place over and over again, this tendon starts to develop tiny tears. Over time, this damage increases and inflammation occurs in that area. That's what we call pain.
Medically, this is called Lateral Epicondylitis . Let's break down the term:
- Lateral means 'outside'.
- The epicondyle is a small knob-like part of the bone on the outside of the elbow.
- The word "itis" means "inflammation."
So, simply put, this is tendonitis that occurs on the outside of the elbow.
Despite the name, who makes this?
When you hear this name, everyone thinks that this is something that only happens to athletes. But that's not the truth. Anyone who holds something tightly with their hands and does anything that involves twisting their forehead can develop this condition.
Think about people like this:
- Carpenters: Because they constantly use tools like a hammer and a saw.
- Painters: Because they move the brush back and forth in the same way.
- Housewives doing household chores: wringing clothes, grating coconuts, lifting heavy pots.
- People who work in offices: Because they use the computer mouse in the same way all day.
- Chefs: When cutting vegetables with knives, lifting heavy pans.
- People who play musical instruments like the violin.
Anyone can develop Tennis Elbow. This means it is a Repetitive Strain Injury , meaning it is an injury caused by repeating the same action.
Do you have tennis elbow? Check out these symptoms
Most of the time, these symptoms start gradually. Initially, there may be a slight pain, which may gradually increase. Let's look at the main symptoms.
| Symptom | How does that feel? |
|---|---|
| Elbow pain | The pain is mainly felt around the bony knob on the back of the elbow. For some, it can feel like a burning sensation, while for others, it can feel like a sharp stabbing pain. |
| Weak grip | When holding a pen or a cup, opening a door, or shaking hands, you may feel like you have no strength in your hands. You may even drop objects from your hands. |
| Spreading pain | Sometimes, especially at night, this pain can spread from the elbow down the forearm to the wrist. |
| Numbness and swelling in the hand | When you wake up in the morning, you may find it difficult to extend or bend your arm. Sometimes you may also notice a little swelling around the elbow. |
The most important thing is, if you have pain like this for more than a week, don't ignore it. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible will increase your treatment options and speed up the healing process.
What are the risk factors for developing Tennis Elbow?
Although anyone can develop this condition, some people are at higher risk.
- Age: This condition is most common in people over 40 years of age.
- Occupation: For those who engage in repetitive manual movements, as we discussed earlier.
- Weight lifting: For those who regularly lift weights over 20-22 kg.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces the blood supply to the body's tissues, which slows down the healing process.
- Obesity: Excess body weight puts extra pressure on joints and tendons.
- Some sports: For those who play sports like tennis, badminton, and squash.
How does a doctor recognize this?
When you go to see your doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms. When did the pain start, what times of day do you feel it worse, and what makes it better? Then he will examine your hand.
- I press my hand on the painful area.
- Your hand, elbow, and wrist are bent and extended in different directions.
- The doctor is trying to force me to move my hand against the pressure.
Most of the time, this test can diagnose the disease. However, sometimes, to rule out other problems, you may be referred for tests like these:
- X-ray: To check for other bone problems, such as arthritis.
- Ultrasound Scan: To clearly see if there is any damage or rupture to the tendon.
- MRI Scan: This is used to see the condition of the tissues very clearly, especially if other treatments have not helped.
- EMG (Electromyography): If there is a suspicion that the cause of the pain is nerve compression, this test is performed to confirm it.
Okay, now let's talk about treatment.
The best thing about tennis elbow is that most of the time it doesn't require surgery. It can be treated with simple treatments. Treatment can be divided into two parts.
1. Things to do first
You can start these things at home. It's called the RICE method.
- R - Rest: This is the most important thing. Completely stop the activity that is causing the pain. Giving your hand a break gives the tendon a chance to heal.
- I - Ice: Apply ice to the painful area. Place some ice cubes in a polythene bag, wrap it in a cloth, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Do this several times a day. This will reduce pain and swelling.
- C - Compression: A special brace/strap can be used to help relieve pressure on the muscles and give the tendon a break.
- E - Elevation: Keep your arm above the level of your heart whenever possible. You can place a pillow on top.
2. Medical treatment
If home remedies don't help, your doctor may refer you to these types of treatments.
| Treatment method | What happens with this? |
|---|---|
| Painkillers | You can use NSAID tablets or gels (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) to reduce swelling as prescribed by your doctor. However , never continue using these without consulting a doctor. |
| Physical Therapy | This is very important. A physical therapist will teach you special exercises to strengthen the muscles in your hand and increase flexibility. This can also help prevent this condition from happening again. |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy | This is a relatively new treatment. They take some of your own blood, separate out cells called platelets that have the ability to heal, and then inject them back into the damaged area of your own elbow. It's like your own body healing the wound with its own power. |
| Corticosteroid injections | These are powerful injections that reduce inflammation. Although they may provide immediate pain relief, they may not be as effective in the long term, so doctors don't recommend them for everyone. |
| Surgery | Surgery is only recommended for those who have had no improvement after 6-12 months of other treatments and are in severe pain. This involves removing the damaged portion of the tendon and reattaching the healthy portion to the bone. |
What is the difference between Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
Many people get these two confused. Both are types of overuse injuries to the elbow. But the location of the pain is different.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain occurs on the outside of the elbow.
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain comes from the inner side of the elbow.
Simply put, when you turn your hand over and extend your arm, the pain you feel on the side of your thumb is called Tennis Elbow. The pain you feel on the side of your little finger is called Golfer's Elbow.
Take-Home Message
- Tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when a tendon on the back of the elbow is damaged due to repetitive motion. It is not limited to tennis players.
- The main cause of pain is using the hand without rest. Therefore, rest is the best and first treatment.
- If elbow pain persists for more than a week, or is severe enough to prevent you from performing daily activities, you should definitely see a doctor.
- Most people can make a full recovery with physical therapy and simple treatments. Surgery is rarely necessary.
- Ignoring pain can make the situation worse. So, listen to your body. If you feel pain, it's a signal to stop.
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