Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow joint. The ulnar nerve can be entrapped as it passes close to the elbow joint, and this can cause pain and tingle in the forearm and numbness in the little finger. It is usually caused by repetitive motion of the wrist and arm. Athletes are not the only folks who developed tennis elbow. If you have a job that features motion it can lead to tennis elbow workers such as painters, carpenters. beauticians and butchers experience tennis elbow. The pain centers around the bony bump on the outside of the elbow and can spread into your forearm and wrist. There are over-the-counter pain relievers that help relieve tennis elbow, also rest and Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling can help. If these conservative treatments do not help or if the symptoms are disabling, your doctor might suggest surgery.
Symptoms
The pain will radiate from the outside of your elbow into your forearm and wrist. It will be difficult to shake hands or grip an object. Even turning a door nob or holding a cup of coffee is painful.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If the area of pain is also inflamed, and the discomfort is accompanied by a fever. You should also obtain prompt medical care if you are unable to bend your elbow, or are experiencing any numbness or weakness in your hand. If your attempts to alleviate the pain with rest, ice, or over-the-counter medications have not reduced the discomfort, then you should also consult with a physician. Once you do, your doctor will conduct a thorough exam in order to deliver the proper diagnosis, which might include imaging.
Many Common Arm Motions Can Cause Tennis Elbow
In addition to tennis and golf using plumbing tools, painting, driving screws, cutting up cooking ingredients, using a computer, being a hairdresser, playing some kind of musical instruments and so many more activities that involve activities that involve repetitive arm motion can cause tennis elbow.
Tennis Elbow Prevention
Some small changes might help lower your risk of tennis elbow.
- Keep your arms and wrists strong and flexible. Build strength with light weights. Warm-up and stretch before any activity, especially one that involves making the same motions over and over.
- Try not to make repetitive movements.
- If you play a sport with a racquet, have an expert check your equipment to be sure it’s the right size and fit.
Tennis elbow affects up to 3% of people, mostly between the ages of 30 and 50. Any activity that strains the muscles around your elbow over and over again can cause tennis elbow.
For persistent pain that is interfering with your daily activities, see a rheumatologist to make the correct diagnosis and begin the proper treatment.
Contact Us (859-331-3100) For More Information to Request an Appointment
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About Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology
Tristate Arthritis and Rheumatology is first and largest Rheumatology practice in the Northern Kentucky area. Founded by Dr. Arthur Kunath in 1986, our rheumatology practice now consists of six doctors who are board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and a Physician Assistant. Patients see one doctor (except in emergencies), thereby assuring continuity of care and an individualized doctor-patient atmosphere giving the physician the ability to establish personalized and detailed relationships. Our doctors have received numerous awards, including being listed as “Top Doctors” in Cincinnati Magazine, receiving the Patient’s Choice Award, the Most Compassionate Doctor Award, and the American College of Rheumatology’s “My Doc Rocks” award.
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