Tennis Elbow and Treatment

Do you have pain on the outer part of your elbow? If so, you may have Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis. The name can be a bit confusing – tennis elbow can be caused by a variety of sports or movements that overuse the extensor muscles in your forearm. This overuse is often caused by repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting with the wrist and hand, and it can be quite debilitating if left untreated.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

The exact cause of tennis elbow is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors. One of the main causes is the repeated tensile loading of the tendon fibers, which can lead to the development of microtears in the extensor tendon. The extensor muscles are responsible for extending your wrist and fingers, and when they are subjected to repetitive strain, the tendon fibers can develop microtears, leading to pain, inflammation, and weakness.

Another factor that can contribute to the development of tennis elbow is impaired blood supply to the area. When the blood supply is compromised, the tendon tissue is not able to repair and regenerate as quickly, which can lead to degeneration of the tendon tissue and ultimately the development of tennis elbow.

Risk Factors for Tennis Elbow

There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing tennis elbow. Poor technique or equipment use, muscle imbalances, and underlying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can all contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

For example, using a racquet that is too heavy or has a grip that is too small can increase the stress on the extensor muscles, leading to the development of tennis elbow. Similarly, using improper technique when hitting a backhand in tennis can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow. While these are two unique cases, think about the number of times you lift items up in the day and grip hard – with improper technique and done repeatedly, you can be at risk of developing tennis elbow.

Muscle imbalances can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow. If the muscles in your forearm are imbalanced, with one set of muscles being stronger than the other, this can lead to increased stress on the extensor muscles, increasing your risk of developing tennis elbow.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

There are several treatment options for tennis elbow, including rest, physical therapy, and soft tissue treatments.

Rest and Avoiding Overuse

The first step in treating tennis elbow is to rest the affected arm and avoid overuse. This can include modifying activities that require repetitive motions of the arm and forearm, such as taking breaks during typing or adjusting your tennis grip.

Physical Therapy and Exercises

Physical therapy can also be effective an effective treatment. A physical therapist can provide exercises and stretches to help strengthen the affected muscles and reduce pain and inflammation. These exercises can include wrist extensions, forearm pronation and supination, and eccentric wrist extensions.

Natural Remedies

Two natural ingredients that can help to alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by tennis elbow are magnesium and menthol. Magnesium is a key ingredient to help reduce inflammation in your body, and when applied directly to the elbow, speeds up the recovery process for tennis elbow. Additionally, menthol provides pain relief with a cooling sensation that is typically found in pain creams.

HEALI kinesiology tape is the perfect solution that combines both natural ingredients to help combat tennis elbow and provide both long-term and short-term relief. HEALI Tape can be applied directly to your elbow to provide support, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Tennis elbow is a common condition that can be caused by overuse or repetitive motions of the arm and forearm. Symptoms include pain on the outer side of the elbow, weakness in the affected arm, stiffness in the elbow joint, and a decreased range of motion. Some treatment options include rest, physical therapy, and HEALI Tape. By following proper treatment techniques and consulting with a healthcare professional, tennis elbow can be effectively treated, allowing for improved range of motion and decreased pain.