What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a form of pain which takes place in the tendons of the arm when strain or overuse has occurred. This degenerative problem of the tendons can also be called epitrochlear bursitis or lateral epicondylitis. Such a condition typically causes a lot of pain as the body depends on the tendons in the arm to support the wrist and hand. Although tennis is the primary cause of tennis elbow, this complication can occur as a result of other sports or movements as well. If you or your loved one struggle with pain caused by tennis elbow, pain treatment provided at a pain rehabilitation center may be beneficial. This type of assistance offers patients specialized pain therapy and unique programs which assist in overall pain recovery.
This type of pain occurs on the outside of the elbow and can potentially lead to pain in the wrist and hand as well. Most of the time, those between the ages of 30 and 60 develop tennis elbow. This problem can affects anyone and occurs equally in both men and women. Pain treatment at a pain treatment facility is often recommended to those experiencing pain similar to what may occur in someone with tennis elbow.
Anyone who puts a great deal of strain on their forearm muscles or frequently uses repetitive motion (as is the case in tennis) is at greater risk for this type of pain. Strain and overuse results in torn or swollen tendons. Poor blood flow and oxygen levels in the elbow may also cause this condition. Painting, racquet ball, fencing, and carpentry are other activities which may cause tennis elbow. In some cases, there may not even be a significant activity that has caused the problem.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Forms of pain which may go along with tennis elbow include:
- Burning sensations
- Inability to carry anything
- Tenderness
- Poor gripping abilities
- Fever
- Difficulty when stretching arm
- Pain when performing simple tasks which involve the arm
- Bruising
- Pain that continues for more than a few weeks
- Shooting pain
- Unable to sleep at night due to pain
Symptoms of tennis elbow can be very painful and tends to put a strain on one’s overall health. Pain treatment at a pain rehab center provides relief to sufferers of painful disorders such as tennis elbow. Special programs such as body work are often provided in this pain recovery process.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Nonsurgical forms of pain treatment are typically very effective provide pain recovery for about 90% of patients. Surgery is typically not necessary and is only performed in serious, long-term cases of tennis elbow. This type of surgery is outpatient, meaning it does not require an overnight stay. Pain treatments which may be used in response to tennis elbow include:
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Heat or ice packs
- Use of a splint or brace
- Pain medicine
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Exercise
- Proper rest
- Cortisone injections
For those who recover from tennis elbow and must go back to a sport or job which instigates tennis elbow, special considerations must be made. A doctor or physical therapist will often work with such a patient and discuss methods to reduce the chances of elbow pain in the future.
Another form of pain treatment which may be beneficial to those struggling with tennis elbow is pain treatment offered at a pain treatment center. This type of a center offers specialized pain programs geared toward easing and preventing further pain.
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