How is tennis elbow diagnosed

Understanding Tennis Elbow and How It Is Diagnosed

Most people understand tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis by experiencing a sharp pain on the outer part of their elbow. It’s a common injury among those who use their forearm for lifting weight or repetitive movements. Therefore, getting proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.

In most cases, doctors diagnose tennis by performing a physical exam and understanding your past medical histories. Sometimes, doctors might order imaging tests like MRI or electromyography (EMG) to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The prime symptoms of tennis elbow include painful grip during activities, persistent discomfort around the forearm, difficulty in lifting or carrying items, soreness around the outer elbow, and sometimes elbow stiffness during mornings. The elbow pain can also increase when you move your arm.

Tennis elbow can also lead to an inability to extend the forearm fully. It is primarily because this movement uses the muscles that are affected. If you feel these symptoms persistently, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for an official diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Tennis Elbow

Nonsurgical treatments for tennis elbow form the first line of action when tennis elbow is diagnosed. These include rest, physical therapy, and pharmacological treatments like Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory (NSAID) drugs.

Another common line of therapy is bracing the forearm, which usually helps mitigate adverse conditions. Doctors might also suggest exercises like stretching and conditioning, few times a day, to help increase muscle endurance and improve your condition.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

One of the most effective treatments to treat tennis elbow is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Injecting PRP, which contains healing growth factors from your own blood, can stimulate recovery in the damaged tissue.

PRP therapy kicks off the body’s natural healing ability by delivering a high concentration of growth factors directly into the damaged area. However, this treatment might not be ideal if your condition is severe or does not respond to other treatments.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Another alternative for treating tennis elbow is Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It is a non-invasive treatment that promotes healing by sending sound waves towards the injured part of the elbow.

This treatment initially causes controlled injury to the affected area that encourages healing. Studies show that it can be beneficial in managing symptoms, particularly in those who have had tennis elbow for an extended period.

Tennis Elbow Surgery and Aftercare

If nonsurgical treatments fail to bring relief, tennis elbow surgery may be an option. There are different types of surgical procedures, but all of them involve removing the damaged tissue from the elbow.

After surgery, a dedicated aftercare high on therapeutic exercises is necessary for optimal recovery. These exercises aid in restoring your arm’s strength and flexibility. Also, avoid activities initially that may exert force on your arm to prevent setbacks in your recovery.

Joining Hands with American Academy

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides invaluable resources to understand forearm conditions, including tennis elbow. They provide guidelines for self-care, elucidative imagery, and FAQs to help patients deal with the condition effectively.

They also serve a diverse community of health care professionals by providing training, research support, and guidelines for clinical care. Connecting with the American Academy can be beneficial in managing your condition.

How Is Tennis Elbow Different from Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Although both tennis elbow and Rheumatoid Arthritis may involve joint pain, they are different conditions. Tennis elbow is a form of tendinitis resulting from strains or small tears in the tendons that anchor forearm muscles to the elbow. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of the joints.

Furthermore, in diagnosing tennis elbow, doctors usually rule out other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, which can also cause forearm pain. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, it’s crucial to get an official diagnosis to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

FAQ Section

Is Tennis Elbow always a result of playing Tennis?

While tennis and other racquet sports are common causes of tennis elbow, many other activities can also cause the condition.

How long does Tennis Elbow generally take to heal?

Tennis Elbow can generally take several months to heal, especially if steps to prevent further strain aren’t taken.

How can I reduce my risk of Tennis Elbow?

Refrain from overusing your elbow during activities like painting, typing, or playing a racquet sport, and take regular breaks during these activities.

Are there any specific exercises for Tennis Elbow?

Yes. Strengthening exercises that target your forearm muscles can help manage and prevent tennis elbow.

Can Tennis Elbow occur in both arms?

Yes, while it commonly affects the dominant arm, it can occur in either or both arms.

Do NSAID drugs cause any side effects?

While they can help manage pain, long-term use can cause side effects like heart problems, stomach ulcers, and liver and kidney damage.

How is Platelet-Rich Plasma obtained?

Platelet-rich plasma is extracted from your own blood. Your blood is drawn, processed, and then injected to the tennis elbow site.

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis lead to Tennis Elbow?

While Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily affects the joints and not the tendons, chronic inflammation can lead to conditions like Tennis Elbow in some cases.

What happens during Imaging Tests for Tennis Elbow?

During an MRI, for example, you’d lie in a machine where magnetic and radio waves record detailed images of your body.

How effective is Tennis Elbow Surgery?

The success rate for Tennis Elbow Surgery is high, with around 90-95% of patients gaining full functionality and relief from pain.