Now that the fine weather is here, we are ready to get out and play! But activity sometimes brings injuries. The condition labeled “Tennis Elbow” can be caused by overuse of the arm and wrist, but it is not strictly caused by playing tennis. Many other activities that repeatedly stress the wrist, hand and arm can cause a burning pain to radiate from the outside of the elbow into the forearm or wrist. You might have trouble shaking hands or lifting a gallon of milk. Sometimes even lifting a coffee cup can hurt!
Occupations often at risk for this overuse and muscle strain injury are carpenters, plumbers, butchers, painters and cooks. Repetitive strain on the muscles of the forearm can cause tiny tears and subsequent inflammation to occur in the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones on the outside of the elbow. Vigorous games of tennis, and especially hitting backhanded with incorrect form, can have the same result. And it’s no surprise that tennis elbow and its associated pain and tenderness is more likely to occur as we age.
Typical remedies such as icing the area, resting the affected arm, and taking anti-inflammatory medications may help the condition. If, however, the pain persists or does not seem to be lessening, if weakness or numbness are still present, an orthopedic consultation may be needed.
An orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Rehman will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition, reviewing how and when the condition developed, and any other factors that may be influencing it such as other health conditions, medication you take, sports and work activities. Physical therapy may be prescribed, with exercises that can be done at home included as follow-up. Using a specialized brace over the back of the forearm may help to lessen the pain and promote healing by relaxing the muscles and tendons. Sometimes steroidal injections, such as cortisone, may be administered to help lessen the pain. In very serious cases, surgery to remove the damaged tissue may be required.
In all such cases, be sure to contact a Board Certified doctor such as Dr. Rehman, before the symptoms and pain become a chronic condition. Her entire team of therapists and staff are dedicated to your health and healing.
