Are you suffering from elbow pain? Do find it difficult to pick up everyday objects like a kettle or open a doorknob? If the answer is yes, then you may be suffering from Lateral Epicondylitis aka ‘Tennis Elbow’.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is the most common cause of elbow pain. This condition affects the area of a small bony protuberance (the lateral epicondyle) on the outer (lateral) aspect of the elbow. This area becomes irritated and inflamed due to overuse of the extensor, the muscles in the forearm. These muscles originate at the lateral epicondyle and extend the wrist and fingers.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
As the name implies, it is an injury common among tennis players due to the repetitive rotational and extension forces transmitted through the elbow and wrist. However, this condition can affect those who carry out repetitive movements in their jobs such as electricians, carpenters, painters or activities such as sewing, typing and lifting weights.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain which mainly affects the outside aspect of the elbow – Difficulty lifting and pouring a kettle or lifting a cup of tea.
- Weakness in the wrist. This can lead to difficulty carrying shopping bags, opening doors.
- Pain on the lateral epicondyle triggered by extending the wrist and turning your forearm so your palm of your hand is facing the ceiling.
Treatment For Tennis Elbow
- Using ice in its acute stage to help reduce inflammation.
- Try to avoid activities that aggravate the area.
- Gentle soft tissue massage.
- Elbow strap to help reduce the load on the extensor tendon when doing activities.
- Ultrasound treatment to help reduce inflammation.
- Gentle stretching once the pain has reduced.
- If the condition is severe cortisone injections may be suggested by your GP (only as a last resort).
Can Osteopaths Treat Tennis Elbow?
The answer is YES! Osteopathic treatment can help relieve the tension and restrictions that are irritating the tendons of the extensor muscles. Techniques such as soft tissue massage are implemented to improve circulation and reduce inflammation and pain. Treatment consisting of stretching and specific strengthening exercises to the extensor muscles to help rebuild the damaged tendons.
So, if you are looking for a holistic approach to relieving your tennis elbow, find out how Osteopathy can help you manage your pain in Bedfordshire, visit www.winithomas.co.uk or contact Wini Thomas on 07490 686183.