Tackling Tennis Elbow Pain

September 30th, 2020

Despite its name, tennis elbow can occur without ever having picked up a tennis racket! In fact, it is one of the most common conditions we see in clients who experience general elbow pain which is likely caused by small tears in the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the bone at the elbow joint. 

Here we take a closer look at tennis elbow and how you can identify and treat this common condition.

What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow most commonly affects patients between the ages of 30 and 50, and in about 75% of the cases, it occurs in the dominant arm. Typically, the pain associated with tennis elbow has a gradual onset, however, there are times when the pain comes on suddenly. Tennis elbow pain can range anywhere from mild to severe and debilitating.  

The most common symptoms include:

• Pain that starts at the elbow and sometimes spreads to the forearm
• Inability to carry objects or weak grip strength
• Elbow pain that occurs at night or while at rest
• Elbow pain lasting longer than a few days
• Inability to straighten or flex the arm
• Swelling or bruising at or around the elbow or arm

 

At Driven Fit + SWS, the diagnosis of tennis elbow is made through a discussion of your medical history and a physical examination. Call/text our wellness studio today at (813) 440-3016 to learn more. 

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when there is an issue with the tendon that attaches to the outside part of the elbow bone. It is important to note that this is condition is not just a form of inflammation. Rather, it is a result of repetitive use and unhealed microscopic tears that have developed within the tendon. This leads to the wear and tear process where subsequent pain and tenderness can be felt at the outside of the elbow. 

Tennis elbow pain? Our team led by Dr. Sarah Sponaugle has years of experience in the wellness industry and can help! 

 

How is Tennis Elbow Treated?

The treatment of tennis elbow most often involves simple, non-surgical steps that have proven effective for most tennis elbow patients. 

• Rest & Activity Modification – The first step to healing is to either significantly limit or completely stop any activity that aggravates the condition (anywhere from a few days to several weeks). 
• Medication – Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug will ease some inflammation and pain. 
• Tennis Elbow Brace – By wearing a brace specifically designed to treat tennis elbow, there is less stress on the tendon and muscle. 
• Physical Therapy – At Driven Fit + Sponaugle, the goal of our tennis elbow therapy is to improve muscle function and facilitate a quicker recovery. Our treatments typically include exercises that stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles, as well as other massage techniques specifically aimed to relieve tennis elbow pain. 
• Steroid Injection – To relieve pain and improve function, we will sometimes administer a cortisone injection into the area near your elbow. 

Get Tennis Elbow Pain Relief at Driven Fit 

If you are experiencing any of the tennis elbow symptoms listed above, don’t wait! Get help today and relieve the pain caused this common condition. To learn more about tennis elbow physical therapy treatments at our South Tampa wellness center, please call or text (813) 440-3016. 

Categories: Chiropractic • Lifestyle

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