A tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in daily life. Whether you’re an avid athlete or have developed it through your work, it’s important to understand what a tennis elbow is, how it develops, and what you can do about it. In this blog, we discuss the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options for a tennis elbow. Additionally, we provide tips on how to prevent a tennis elbow and share an innovative treatment method that can help you recover faster.
What Is a Tennis Elbow?
A tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. You may not only experience pain in the elbow but also in your forearm and wrist. These complaints arise when the extensor muscles of the wrist and hand are strained. Think of activities like picking up a cup of coffee or swinging a tennis racket. On the outside of your elbow is a bony bump—this is where the muscles of your forearm attach to your elbow. These muscles allow you to bend your wrist backward. The pain is caused by inflammation of the tendon attachment that enables this movement. Stretching the elbow, wrist, and fingers can be painful, as can pressure on the attachment of the extensor muscles.
What Are the Causes of a Tennis Elbow?
The exact cause of a tennis elbow is not always clear. It often results from overuse of the forearm, which can happen due to work, sports, or other activities. Although the condition is often associated with tennis players, it can be caused by any repetitive wrist movements. Consider activities like cleaning, gardening, or physical labor.
Symptoms of a Tennis Elbow
A tennis elbow doesn’t necessarily have to result from an intense game of tennis. However, tennis players do relatively often suffer from it. A tennis elbow is characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow. Unsure if you’re experiencing a tennis elbow? Try the following movements:
- Make a fist
- Bend your wrist backward
- Extend your fingers
Does the pain worsen? Then there’s a chance you have a tennis elbow.
How Long Does a Tennis Elbow Last?
Unfortunately, a tennis elbow often doesn’t resolve within a few weeks; it can last for several months. The good news is that this condition usually goes away on its own. After a year, almost all people with a tennis elbow are free of complaints.
Treatment Options for a Tennis Elbow
In general, it’s best to avoid excessive strain on the arm. Other treatment options for a tennis elbow include:
- Pressure Massage: Applying pressure to the painful spot.
- Physiotherapy: To reduce irritation and relax the muscles.
- Injections: Using anti-inflammatory agents and anesthetics. However, there’s a risk that the pain may return after some time.
- Surgical Intervention: To treat the irritated muscle attachment. Note that surgery is not common for this condition.
Nano CellCare Therapy for a Tennis Elbow
If no treatment has helped to reduce the pain, Nano CellCare therapy may offer a solution. This innovative treatment method involves administering hyaluronic acid, minerals from the Dead Sea, and vitamin C via nebulization on the skin. It can help heal inflammations and reduce pain. This therapy gives your body a natural boost, allowing inflammations to heal better, pain to be reduced, and you to feel more vital again.
Schedule a Nano CellCare Treatment
Experience the benefits of Nano CellCare yourself by making an appointment with a certified therapist. Use our Treatment Locator to find a therapist near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Tennis Elbow
Does a tennis elbow come from playing tennis?
Although the name suggests that a tennis elbow mainly occurs in tennis players, the cause often isn’t related to tennis. The condition usually arises from repetitive wrist movements.
Is a tennis elbow an inflammation?
A tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. The Latin name is epicondylitis lateralis. Overuse can cause irritated attachments, leading to inflammation. Your body reacts to the irritation, which can cause symptoms like warmth around the elbow or swelling.
How can I prevent a tennis elbow?
You can prevent a tennis elbow by avoiding overuse of your forearm. Ensure a good warm-up and perform stretching exercises for your forearm muscles. Use ergonomic aids during work and sports, and listen to your body.
Can a tennis elbow heal on its own without treatment?
In many cases, a tennis elbow heals on its own with rest and by avoiding strenuous activities. However, it can take months for the pain to completely disappear.
