TENNIS ELBOW (LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS)

This is a condition characterised by pain and tenderness at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus due to non-specific inflammation at the origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm.

CAUSES

Although, it is sometimes seen in tennis players, other activities such as using Plumbing tools, Painting, Driving screws, Cutting up cooking ingredients, particularly meat, Repetitive computer mouse use, Holding the children.

Risk factors

• While tennis elbow affects people of all ages, it’s most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
• People who have jobs that involve repetitive motions of the wrist and arm are more likely to develop tennis elbow. Examples include plumbers, painters, carpenters, butchers and cooks.
• Certain sports.Participating in racket sports increases your risk of tennis elbow, especially if you employ poor stroke technique.

CLINICAL FEATURES

One finds tenderness, precisely localised to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Pain is aggravated by putting the extensor tendons to a stretch; for example, by palmar-flexing the wrist and fingers with the forearm pronated. Elbow movements are normal. X-ray does not reveal any abnormality.

The pain associated with tennis elbow may radiate from the outside of your elbow into your forearm and wrist. Pain and weakness may make it difficult to:

• Shake hands or grip an object
• Turn a doorknob
• Hold a coffee cup
• Squeezing clothes
• Carrying a suitcase etc.

TREATMENT

• Rest
• Apply ice or a cold pack for 15 minutes three to four times a day.
• Make sure that you are using proper technique for your activities and avoiding repetitive wrist motions
• HOMEOPATHY MEDICINE