If you have prevalent, recurring pain in your elbow and arm, you may have been diagnosed with tennis elbow. How?, You might wonder you dont even play tennis! The truth is, though the condition is named for the sport where it is seen most often, it can happen to almost anyone. Heres what you need to know after a tennis elbow diagnosis:
Definition and Cause of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an irritation of the tendons in the arm. It is a repetitive motion injury, caused by overuse or straining of these tendons. While tennis elbow is well-known to result from sports like tennis and racquetball, it is also common in those who use gripping and pulling motions in their profession or everyday life. Consider these common causes of tendonitis and tennis elbow:
- Typing
- Carpentry
- Mowing, raking, and other landscaping tasks
- Painting
- Knitting
- Cooking
As you can see, almost anyone can fall victim to tennis elbow even those who have never been on a tennis court. The problem is, while the condition is common, treatment will vary drastically depending on the individual dealing with the condition.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tennis elbow treatment typically begins with the least-invasive available options. For many patients, this involves medication and physical therapy, as well as alterations or modifications to their everyday routines. These will need to be discussed with your doctor to determine what will work best for you. If your condition is very advanced, surgery may be your best option. Again, only your healthcare team can advise you on whether this is true for your case.
Looking for options for tennis elbow treatment in Aspen, CO area? Contact a local clinic or specialist in regenerative medicine. They can help you create an action plan including medication, physical therapy, and other treatments that can get you back in the game, even if that game isnt tennis!
