Tennis Elbow Treatment: Exploring Options for Relief

Are you experiencing continuous pain in your elbow? You may have Tennis Elbow. Today, MitGlobal Dubai Sports will explore the most common causes and symptoms you should be aware of regarding Tennis Elbow, and some helpful treatments for relief.

First of all, what is Tennis Elbow? Also known as lateral epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow is an overuse injury of the elbow common among athletes, especially tennis players. This condition develops when tendons in the elbow are overworked, causing microscopic tears.

Common causes of Tennis Elbow include repetitive gripping motions, such as in racquet sports or lifting weights, or through overuse of tools that employ leverage, such as hammers. Other causes include using poor technique when using these tools, experiencing a repetitive wrist motion with the elbow extended or overloading the joint.

Tennis Elbow symptoms can include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, a burning sensation in the arm, and weak grip strength. In some cases, the pain may even extend from the elbow to the wrist.

Stay tuned to MitGlobal Dubai Sports as we explore different treatments, including home remedies and lifestyle changes, that can help you ease the pain of Tennis Elbow.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy and cortisone injections can be effective measures in helping to relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow. When diagnosed with tennis elbow, it is first recommended to rest the affected arm and to avoid activities which will further strain the elbow. Ice should also be applied routinely in order to help reduce pain and inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce inflammation as well as manage pain.

Physical therapy is often recommended as a non-surgical treatment for tennis elbow. A physical therapist can equip a patient with an individualized rehabilitation program through range of motion activities, strengthening exercises and proprioceptive exercises. When performed consistently, these activities can help to reduce pain symptoms, improve range of motion, strength and function of elbow.

Cortisone injections are often used if physical therapy and other treatments fail to provide relief. cortisone injections are a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid that can help to reduce inflammation, improve mobility and provide relief from pain. In many cases, a single injection is all that is needed to provide relief.

In addition to the non-surgical treatments mentioned above, splints and braces can also be used to provide relief and support to the elbow. Splints and braces can be worn during physical activity to limit movement and decrease the chances of re-injury. They can also help to limit stress on the injured tendon and help reduce pain.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgery is a possible solution for those dealing with tennis elbow. It is important to note that surgery is often a last resort and doctors and physical therapists should be consulted before moving forward with any procedure. There are many different types of surgical procedures, each addressing different issues and each coming with their own set of benefits and risks. The most commonly recommended surgeries for tennis elbow are lateral epicondylitis release surgery, tendon repair surgery, tendon transfer surgery, and percutaneous surgery.

Surgery Overview: Surgery for tennis elbow involves removing damaged tissue and repairing any tears that have occurred. This can be done through arthroscopic surgery, or surgically, through open procedures. Surgery typically requires local or general anesthesia, followed by a period of recovery ranging from several days to weeks depending on the patient and severity of the injury.

Lateral Epicondylitis Release Surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of damaged tissue in the elbow joint and is the most common surgical treatment for tennis elbow. During the procedure, a doctor may make an incision so he or she can grind away any tissue that is causing pain or preventing the elbow joint from full range of motion.

Tendon Repair Surgery: This type of surgery may be recommended for someone who has experienced a tear in their tendons. During the procedure, the surgeon will access the damaged tendon and carefully reattach it. This surgery is often done arthroscopically, meaning only a few small incisions are made in the arm.

Tendon Transfer Surgery: This type of surgery involves transferring healthy tissue to the elbow joint in order to compensate for any damage that has occurred. The surgeon will remove healthy tissue from another area of the patient’s body, such as the forearm or bicep, and transplant it to the area around the elbow to help in repairing and restoring normal movement.

Percutaneous Surgery: This type of surgery involves using a needle-like instrument to remove damaged tissue inside the elbow joint. During the procedure, a doctor will insert the instrument into the joint and use it to cut away any tissue that is impeding movement or causing pain. This surgery is typically recommended for those who have experienced minimal damage to their tissue and are dealing with minor forms of tennis elbow.

Alternative Treatments for Tennis Elbow

If you’re looking to seek relief from the pain of tennis elbow, there are several alternative treatments to consider. Among them are massage therapy, acupuncture, stem cell therapy, laser therapy, herbal supplements, and more.

Massage therapy focuses on providing direct treatment to the affected area. It works by manipulating the soft tissue and muscles, helping to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that regular massages can relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow, albeit temporarily.

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that involves inserting tiny needles into the skin at specific points of the body. It is thought to promote healing, stimulate the flow of energy, and reduce pain. However, there is insufficient data to support definite claims of its effectiveness in treating tennis elbow.

Stem cell therapy has been explored as a potential treatment for elbow injuries, though it is still considered experimental. Specialized cells are injected into the elbow, which slowly rebuild and regenerate damaged tissue. This method is not as common or well-known as other treatments, but its popularity is slowly growing among those affected by tennis elbow.

Laser therapy is also becoming an increasingly popular option, as it is believed to reduce inflammation and pain. Low-level lasers are used to penetrate the affected area, allowing the light to interact with cells on a molecular level. This is thought to improve and accelerate the healing process.

Herbal supplements and topical ointments are also used to treat tennis elbow. Supplements such as turmeric, bromelain, and omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Topical ointments are often used along with herbal remedies, as they can provide relief from pain and reduce inflammation.