Martlet Wines >> Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow and other Sporting Injuries.

Don't let Tennis Elbow and other sporting injuries stop you playing.
Tennis Elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is a condition when the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender, usually as a result of a specific strain, overuse, or a direct bang. Sometimes no specific cause is found. Tennis Elbow is similar to Golfer's Elbow which affects the other side of the elbow. The outer part of the elbow is painful and tender to touch. Movements of the elbow, and also movements which involve lifting, with the hand on top, hurt.

Although called tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is much more commonly seen in people who are over using their arm doing something else. It could equally well be called "plasterer's elbow" or "mechanic's elbow" or "painter's elbow".

The most common cause is over use of the muscles which are attached to the bone at this part of the elbow. That is to say, the muscles which pull the hand backwards (the wrist extensors). All the extensor muscles of the hand attach to the elbow at the outer part (the lateral epicondyle). If they are strained or over used they become inflamed, which means they are swollen, painful and tender to touch.

Sometimes the inflammation is caused by a direct injury or bang, this is why Lastrap Supports work so well. Sometimes, especially when the cause is direct injury or strain, the muscles are actually partially torn.

• You can buy a brace or support. The best known support is from a company called Lastrap. Their supports actually dampen the vibrations that cause tennis elbow and as a result work extremely well.
• Rest helps, with avoidance of the activities which over use the elbow.
• Physiotherapy treatments, which may include heat or ultrasound therapy.
• Use of anti inflammatory drugs and ordinary pain killers (analgesics).
• Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small dose of steroid to the affected area. This is not the sort of steroid banned for athletes. If used it can last for up to three months, and although it may need to be repeated you seldom need more than two or possibly three injections.