The tennis elbow, outside the pro circuit

Like a notorious misnomer, the tennis elbow afflicts a good number of patients who never picked up tennis racquets. It could very well be an archer’s, shooter’s, or golfer’s elbow. Outside the ownership of sports, it goes by the official medical term lateral epicondylitis, which, by etymology, indicates an inflammation or soreness on the outer part of the elbow.

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The condition reduces the cause to overuse, and its association with tennis stems from the number of affected tennis players and the logical elbow strains common in the dominant arms of those practicing racquet sports. Also prone to the condition are gym rats who lift weights in excess, or gardeners and other crafty hobbyists prone to repetitious arm movements. All are in agreement that pain is debilitating enough to discourage future elbow exertions.

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Pain from the tennis elbow also affects one’s grip. The resulting paralysis can be treated with painkillers or movement inhibitions to allow frayed and inflamed elbow tendons to heal. Several methods are recommended for long-term healing. These involve topical ointments, braces, and a deep-tissue massage. Surgery is also an option for those so-disposed, and it involves repairing torn tendons or reattaching them with just enough tension.

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The tennis elbow lays off people from their normal activities. Surgery is an easy way out of it, but it may require consistent physical therapy. Experts like Dr. Mary Kneiser advise patients to seek rehabilitation programs suited to their occupational needs. Follow this Twitter page for more information on physical medicine and rehabilitation.