What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis and is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. It is a condition that is usually the result of overuse of the muscles and tendons of the elbow. This can create inflammation where the tendon connects to the bone or it can be due to the tendon thickening, which can decrease the elasticity of the tendon giving discomfort and weakness in the forearm.

Ironically the most common cause of tennis elbow is not necessarily playing tennis. Even though playing tennis can cause this, it is more likely that the activities we do repetitively can cause this pain. For example; typing, carpentry, painting and knitting.

What can I do to feel better?

Ice and anti-inflammatories – This will help with acute cases of tennis elbow where inflammation is present. The ice and anti-inflammatories will help reduce the inflammation at the tendon which aims at reducing your pain.
Manual Therapy (Osteopathy) – Can help with improving the mechanics of the arm by reducing tension through the muscles and improving range of motion in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.
Bracing/taping – elbow compression bracing or taping to the elbow can help temporarily relieve your symptoms.
Exercises – stretching and strengthening exercises tailored at improving the health of the muscles of the forearm, this will not only help with the pain initially, it is also important in preventing it from reoccurring.

If you have been suffering from elbow pain the Osteopaths at Blackburn Osteopathy can help.