Tennis Elbow

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain in outer part of elbow:– when opening hand/extending fingers
    – when bending wrist back with or without resistance
    – during and/or after repetitive use of fingers, hand, and/or wrist
    – when squeezing or making tight fist
  • Pain and point tenderness in outer elbow resulting from pressure or palpation (touch)

Injury Description:

  • Most commonly this injury is an inflammation of the muscles and/or tendons in the outer part of the elbow and forearm. This can be caused by overuse and/or rnicro-strains of these muscles/tendons. The injury may be due to long term and repetitive activities or it may be a sudden overloading of the tissues.

What Can I Do?

  • Avoid using the involved fingers, hand, wrist, etc. as much as possible and allow them to rest. Continued use, especially when it causes pain, will irritate the tissue and cause further inflammation.
  • As it begins to feel better, start using the involved muscles gradually. They are in a weakened slate, too much activity too soon will result in overuse and you are likely to cause more inflammation.
  • Apply ice to the area after using it and/or if it becomes painful. This will help to reduce inflammation. The ice should be left on for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • Application of heat for 15 to 20 minutes is beneficial prior to activity.
  • Gently stretch the involved tissues. This can be done by bending the wrist forward and extending (straightening) the elbow. Prolonged gentle stretches are usually the most effective.
  • Gently rub/massage the painful area for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • If pain and discomfort persist consult your physician.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.

For more information about tennis elbow check out this link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001485/

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ORROCK & MENDENHALL SPORTS MEDICINE & PHYSICAL THERAPY