Tennis Elbow - Squashing Its Myths and Misconceptions

Tennis elbow is a painful condition where theis technically a misnomer since only 5% of the
outer part of the elbow becomes sore andpeople afflicted with this injury are tennis players.
tender due to repetitive motions that put a strainEven a study conducted on 500 tennis players
on the elbow. The medical terminologies for thiswho complained of pain in the outer surface of
condition are lateral epicondylitis, the inflammationthe elbow concluded that only 37% of them had
to the outside elbow bone, and lateraltennis elbow. It is important to understand that it
epicondylosis, which is lateral elbow pain in simplecan happen to anyone during the course of
terms.normal routine activities.
Symptoms:Completely Avoid Activities that Caused the Pain
Symptoms may vary due to the intensity of theThere is no reason why you have to stop doing
pain and tenderness caused in the elbow and inyour favorite hobbies or activities that caused the
the back of the forearm, which worsens withpain to recover from the injury. You can continue
repeated use of the elbow especially for twistingwith your normal routine just by keeping in mind
movements. These are some of the commonnot to exert too much pressure on the arm,
symptoms of tennis elbow:giving it periodical rests, and undergoing
* pain while lifting or bending the armrecommended treatment program.
* pain caused while twisting the forearmElbow Braces - the most effective cure
* pain when gripping small objects like penElbow braces are more effective as a preventive
especially while holding the pen and writing.measure than as a cure. Sportsmen are generally
* inability or difficulty in extending the forearmadvised against wearing an elbow brace while
completelyplaying. Braces are worn as a support to avoid
* persistent pain on the outside of the upperfuture injuries. It most definitely will not cure you
forearm just below the bend of the elbow and onof the pain but in all probability, it may prove
certain occasions, pain is felt down the armcounter productive by immobilizing and reducing
towards the wrist.circulation to the arm thereby increasing the pain.
Tennis elbow myths demystifiedIt is more of a temporary reprieve than a
Tennis elbow is one of the most common andlong-term solution.
widely reported cases of all the repetitive stressSeeking Professional Help - Only Way Out
injuries. It is also the most difficult and painfulIf you recognize the signs of this condition earlier
injury to recover from. This condition has beenon and listen to your body, it can be prevented
shrouded in doubts regarding its treatment andand treated with adequate rest and strengthening
diagnosis for a long time. Most of the peopleexercises. Alternating hot and cold therapy has
suffering from its symptoms make the familiarthe effect of 'washing out' the accumulation of
mistake of overlooking the severity of thepain chemicals and brings in the essential repair
situation, if left untreated. These common mythssubstances.
compound the confusion in nailing down theRemember that the pain caused by tennis-elbow
symptoms of tennis elbow and treating it on time.takes as long as 12 weeks to subside, some may
'Tennis elbow' - a technical misnomereven experience discomfort for several years but
This condition has been referred by this nameyou can be sure that tennis-elbow can be cured
since the year 1883, when Major used it in hiswith proper timely care.
paper 'Lawn-tennis elbow'. The name 'tennis elbow'