What Is A Tennis Elbow?

 

Anatomy

Our elbow joint holds the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two forearm bones (radius & ulna) together with several bands of muscles and tendons.  Many of these muscle bands start from the bony bumps at the end of the humerus, known as epicondyles, and extend further towards the wrist and fingers.

Now, the tendons that connect the muscle bands from the bony bump on the lateral side (outside edge) experience pressure when we use our wrists and fingers to grip or grab something with force. The tennis elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is a condition that indicates inflammation or tears of these tendons and muscles.

Note that its incidences are not limited to tennis players, and it can occur in anyone who uses their grip persistently. However, the name remains accurate as tennis players mostly seek tennis elbow treatment in Mumbai.

Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow

●        Sharp pain in the outer edge of the elbow that worsens with time

●        A burning sensation within the outer edge of the elbow

●        A weakened grip or hold 

●        Inability to hold the elbow in specific positions

Causes Of Tennis Elbow

The most common cause of tennis elbow is the persistent use of the same elbow and forearm muscles.

Many sports injury specialists in Mumbai suggest that the tennis elbow almost always involves the wear and tear of the tendon called Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB), which is connected to the lateral epicondyle and the wrist.

It experiences the most strain when the elbow is stretched straight, and the wrist is in use, which is common in tennis when playing groundstrokes. Hence, microtears in ECRB are more likely to occur in these positions. Also, the same tendons experience friction every time we bend and straighten our arms, causing gradual wear in the tendons.

But this condition can occur in any athlete or professional who extensively uses forearms, wrists, and hands, such as cricketers, basketball players, hockey players, etc. Even painters, plumbers, butchers, and carpenters are highly prone to develop such inflammation as they age.

Other causes of tennis elbow may be degenerative or some idiopathic conditions.

Examination & Treatment

Surgeons who offer elbow treatment in Mumbai diagnose tennis elbow mostly through history and physical examinations. Here, they ask for the patient’s profession, equipment, history of elbow injuries or arthritis, among other factors. They may test the elbow by applying pressure or straightening it. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or Electromyography (EMG) may also be recommended to rule out other similar conditions.

Almost 80% to 95% of tennis elbow cases are treated non-surgically through braces, pain medications, and enough rest. In slightly advanced cases, some doctors also prescribe sports specific physical therapy and Extracorporeal shock wave therapy to boost muscle healing.

If none of these treatments are able to reduce the symptoms, undergoing arthroscopic surgery is considered the best solution. During an arthroscopy, the surgeon uses miniature minimally invasive tools to remove damaged muscles and reattach torn tendons.

Dr. Pranjal Kodkani utilizes such therapeutic and minimally invasive techniques in his unique joint preservation techniques. He is one of the few sports injury specialists in Mumbai who can offer such treatments that allow the athletes to get back in the game as soon as possible. Hence, if you ever face persistent elbow pain, you must consult Dr. Kodkani at least once before going ahead with any treatment.