What is it?
- Tennis elbow is a common disorder that affects the outer part of the elbow (the epicondyle)
- Tennis elbow is a tendinopathy (a disruption/irritation within the tendon) and is commonly associated with repetitive gripping tasks and repetitive extension at the wrist.
Who gets it?
- Tennis elbow can affect anyone at any age, however it is most commonly affected between the 4th and 5th decade
- People who engage in sports/occupations that require repetitive gripping of the hand or repetitive wrist extension.
- Common sports: tennis, badmington, squash
- Common occupations: desk workers, carpenters, brick layers, sewers/knitters
Symptoms
- There is usually tenderness on the bony part of the outer elbow as well as tightness down the forearm. This can be a gradual onset or occur after a single episode of high physical work
- There is often pain and/or weakness with grip strength, bending/extending at the wrist and elbow
- Occasionally pins and needles can be felt through the top of the forearm.
- This is commonly associated with weakness of the shoulder and tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders.
Treatment
- The first goal is to find the aggravating movement, position or lifestyle factor (stress/anxiety/sleep deprivation) that may be contributing to this pain. This may be as simple as changing your desk set up or changing your grip on a tool.
- Your chiropractor will assess the soft tissues in in the elbow, wrist, neck and shoulder to determine where the painful muscular triggers may be coming from.
- Assessment of the joints from the neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist will determine where joint limitations may be occurring
- Specific tests for potential nerve involvement will be performed.
- Prescription exercises will be given to stretch and strengthen the tendon
- When dealing with tendon pain, building strength and resilience within the tendon is vital the both short term and long term resolution of your pain