Therapy for tennis elbow can include various measures; These include medicines, splints or
Bandage to immobilize the joint, kinesio taping and an exercise program practiced under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
In the initial phase, the affected arm must be rested until the acute pain subsides.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and brufen, may be helpful at this stage.
The physical therapist may perform manual therapy called Cyriax, or transverse friction, that stimulates tendon repair and collagen fiber alignment.
After that, stretching exercises to stretch the wrist extensors can be done.
The exercises are performed first with the elbow bent and then with the elbow straight. In the third phase, the muscles need to be strengthened. If pain occurs during these performance-enhancing exercises, it is necessary to return to the previous phase.
Cortisone injections can be helpful to complement this program , but this should be delayed if possible because it could injure the tendon and cause permanent damage.
It is important to stop doing everyday activities that increase symptoms. If loads need to be lifted, this should be done with the palm of the hand facing up. When engaging in repetitive activities, breaks should be frequent and stretching should be practiced both before and after the activity.
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Bandages of the arm
The use of an epicondylitis brace is highly recommended for tennis elbow. This strap is placed on the forearm but not on the inflamed area; it is attached approx. 3 cm below the epicondyle, with the pad lying on the affected muscle so that the muscle attachment area on the elbow is relieved.
This bandage can be used during activities that produce the symptoms, but has no effect during rest periods. A bandage, such as that used for carpal tunnel syndrome, can also be helpful. This splint supports the muscles when stretching the wrist.
Prevention of tennis elbow
The most common cause of tennis elbow is improper technique when hitting a tennis stroke.
Tennis players suffering from epicondylitis often develop this tendinitis when playing backhand strokes, although it can in principle be triggered by any other movement.
An amateur tennis player should definitely take tennis lessons from a tennis teacher in order to learn a correct basic technique.
A soft court surface is preferable to a hard clay court.
It is helpful to use new tennis balls frequently.
The tennis racket should be appropriately sized and have a good grip.
Surgery at Tennis Arm
The majority of patients suffering from tennis elbow are not treated surgically. Only patients whose pain persists despite months of conservative treatment are considered for surgery.
The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia . The degenerated tendon insertion area is removed and/or repaired. Often, part of the bone is scraped off to encourage blood vessel formation in the affected area. The elbow must be immobilized for a few weeks, after which a rehabilitation exercise program must be followed.
The dangers of surgery are: constant pain, stiffness and infection.
Forecast at Tennisarm
In a total of 90-95% of patients suffering from tennis elbow, their condition improves through conservative treatment or heals completely.
The length of recovery depends very much on the patient; if he immediately stops activities that cause the symptoms and seeks treatment immediately, he can recover in less than a month; otherwise it may also take 6-8 months for healing. It is estimated that around 5% of patients do not improve and therefore an operation is necessary.
The aim of the procedure is to repair the damaged muscle-tendon unit in the elbow.
People undergoing surgery often fail to fully heal and regain muscle strength.
