Lateral Epicondylitis Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, occurs when the tendons in the elbow are strained. The injury is normally caused by overuse or repetitive motion. It can cause pain in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. There are several treatments for tennis elbow, including physical therapy. Physical therapy has proven effective in helping relieve pain and discomfort associated with this form of injury.
At Next Level Physical Therapy & Athletic Performance, we work with individuals of all ages who have repetitive motion injuries such as tennis elbow. Our highly-trained and fully licensed physical therapists can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you live a pain-free life. Contact our office at (661) 678-9787 to schedule an evaluation today.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common elbow injury that causes pain in the elbow. The pain can sometimes extend down to the forearm and wrist, depending on the severity of the condition.
Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Burning sensation at the elbow
- Pain and swelling in the elbow
- Pain or discomfort when gripping or turning an object
- Stiffness
Tennis elbow happens when the tendons in the elbow are overloaded, causing pain and swelling. In many cases, tennis elbow is the result of repetitive motions using the wrist and arm.
How Do You Get Tennis Elbow?
Contrary to popular belief, tennis elbow is not solely caused by playing tennis. Tennis elbow, while common in athletes, can happen to almost anyone. It is widespread in professionals that have work requiring repetitive motion in their wrists and arm.
Individuals who may be prone to tennis elbow:
- Tennis players
- Bowlers
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Golfers
- Butchers
- Cleaners
The Cleveland Clinic estimates that tennis elbow affects between 1% to 3% of Americans. Individuals between the ages of 30 to 50 are more likely to develop the condition.
What Are the Treatments for Tennis Elbow?
Treatments for tennis elbow vary depending on the severity of the condition. For extremely mild cases, a doctor may treat the injury with rest and over-the-counter pain medication. Where the pain is persistent or severe, a doctor may recommend physical therapy, steroid injections, or a support brace.
Is Physical Therapy a Good Option for Tennis Elbow?
Physical therapy has proven effective for treating tennis elbow. It is a non-invasive approach to treating the condition. Generally, a physical therapist will use a set of exercises to help stretch and strengthen the affected area. They may also use techniques such as massage and ultrasound to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Suffering from Tennis Elbow? Contact Our Office.
Do you suffer from tennis elbow? Are you tired of living with pain and discomfort? The physical therapists at Next Level Physical Therapy & Athletic Performance use a whole-body approach to treatment.
Get a tailored fitness plan designed to help you meet your goals and live a pain-free life. Contact our office at (661) 678-9787 to schedule an evaluation at our Santa Clarita studio today. Get the patient-focused treatment you deserve. Call now to take your training to the next level.
