Treatment for Tennis Elbow: The Diabolical Injury
Despite its name, tennis elbow can also affect other athletes like baseball players as well as non-athletes; the injury can also be the result of common arm motions, such as painting, cutting meat, and driving screws. The name, however, comes from the high rate of incidence among tennis players especially among those with poor technique in their backhand stroke.
Fortunately, the injury can be treated and prevented from occurring one too many times. Tennis elbow is the result of overuse of the muscle, thus, doctors at the Healthpointe Corona clinic will recommend strengthening the muscles as a prevention measure.
Tennis elbow often gets better on its own although sometimes pain medication is recommended. If over-the-counter pain medications and other self-care measures aren’t helping, your doctor may suggest physical therapy. Severe cases of tennis elbow may require surgery.
Therapy
When you already have tennis elbow, your Healthpointe doctor will recommend the following steps to facilitate recovery:
- Learn proper technique and form especially during your backhand stroke. The goal here is to reduce stress on the affected tissue, thereby, hastening the recovery process.
- Engage in therapeutic exercises. These are usually designed to stretch and strengthen your affected forearm muscles.
- Wear a brace or strap. These are usually worn on the forearm to reduce stress on its tissues.
- Like many other types of injuries, you should also adopt the followings elf-care measures:
- Resting the affected elbow especially by avoiding activities that worsen your pain in the area.
- Taking pain relievers.
- Applying a cold pack to the affected area for 15 minutes for 3-4 times in a day.
Surgery
Keep in mind that surgery is the last option for tennis elbow. Your doctor will consider surgery when your symptoms have worsened – or at least, have yet to improve despite all other non-surgical methods. You will be required to perform rehabilitation exercises to hasten your recovery.
Even when the surgical procedure, which involves removal of the damaged tissues, is routine in nature, you should still discuss its risks and rewards. The more information you have, the more likely that you can set realistic expectations about your recovery including your chances of going back into competition.
Prevention
Tennis elbow can be prevented even after you have been affected with it beforehand. Keep these tips in mind:
- Stay in good shape.
- Use the correct techniques.
- Avoid overusing your arms especially during repetitive movements.
- Strengthen the muscles on your arm, shoulder and back.
And be sure to talk about it with your Healthpointe doctor, too.
Healthpointe’s doctors and surgeons are available for consultations on all wrist and hand injuries; for more information please call (888) 824-5580 or visit healthpointe.net.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Corona, which is conveniently located near Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net.