What is the tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis?
Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It results from repetitive wrist extension or gripping motions, common in many sports beyond tennis. Early treatment and load management are essential to avoid chronic discomfort.
Common causes of tennis elbow
This injury occurs mainly due to the overload of the tendon extensor radial corto del carpo, which is located on the lateral side of the elbow. The overload occurs when performing extension movements repeatedly, which may cause micro-damage in the tendon, and trigger pain and weakness.
Diagnosis of tennis elbow
The diagnosis of tennis elbow is made through a physical assessment by a physical therapist or physician who specializes in sports injuries. During the assessment tests will be done to determine the extent of the movement and strength of the wrist and the elbow.
In addition, you can perform imaging tests such as x-rays, mris, and ultrasounds to assess the damage in the tendon, and to rule out other pathologies.
Treatment and rehabilitation
The treatment of tennis elbow consists of a combination of physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
In the physical therapy techniques are used such as massage, manual therapy, therapy, ice and heat, and stretching exercises and muscle strengthening. You can also use devices such as splints or orthotics to protect the injured area and reduce the load on the tendons.
Rehabilitation is an important process to recover from tennis elbow and make sure that the patient can return to normal activities without pain or limitations. The rehabilitation may include strengthening exercises, stretching and massage, as well as the teaching of proper techniques to prevent future injuries.
It is important to note that rehabilitation should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient and their level of activity, and must be supervised by a physical therapist or trained professional.
Back to the action
The return to normal activities after an injury of tennis elbow should be gradual and monitored by a health care professional. It is important not to force the elbow as well as to avoid sudden movements and repetitive that they can reactivate the injury.
Some recommendations to prevent future injuries include the use of proper protective equipment, the practice of proper techniques and safe, and follow a routine of warming up and cooling down before and after physical activity.
Note: this article is only intended to be informational use. In any case self-diagnose. If you suffer from any medical condition, we recommend that you go to your physical therapy clinic of confidence.
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Webgrafía and Bibliography
- https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/epicondilitis-o-codo-de-tenista-que-es-causas-sintomas-diagnostico-tratamiento
- https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/articulos/tratamiento-para-la-epicondilitis-o-codo-de-tenista
- https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/articulos/la-epicondilitis-o-codo-de-tenista
- https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/infografias/8-ejercicios-estiramientos-y-automasajes-para-la-epicondilitis
- https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/videos/tratamiento-de-la-epicondilitis-o-codo-de-tenista-con-ejercicios-auto-masajes-y-estiramientos
- https://www.fisioterapia-online.com/videos/indicaciones-y-ejercicios-para-el-tratamiento-de-la-epicondilitis-o-codo-de-tenista
