Treating Pain and Discomfort Associated With Epicondylitis
We don’t often think about our elbow or other important joints until we are experiencing problems with them. One common condition that many people suffer from each year is known as tennis elbow, or more formally, epicondylitis. Fortunately, you do not need to simply suffer from tennis elbow because working with a doctor can help you identify the root cause of the problem and develop a treatment plan specifically for your unique medical needs.
What Is Epicondylitis?
This is a form of tendonitis that is specific to the elbow, caused by repetitive overuse from activities like swinging a tennis racket. This type of repetitive use causes inflammation in the tendons in the elbow and often requires medical treatment with a combination of medication, physical therapy, and corticosteroids. Sometimes, surgery may be required to remove the damaged tissue and reattach the healthy tissues.
When the elbow is inflamed, the arm will have a limited range of motion, and the forearm muscles will likely suffer from painful inflammation as well.
Common causes of epicondylitis include throwing balls, physical labor like swinging a hammer or axe, swimming, sawing or sanding, and tennis. After strenuous activities, sore elbows are normal and expected and are most often treated with rest, ice, and mild pain medication. Chronic or severe pain may be an indication that there is something else wrong and should be addressed with the help of a doctor as soon as possible.
Other signs that your elbow pain may require more than just rest and ice include persistent weakness in your forearm, weakened grip strength, difficultly holding objects, or using your hands as you normally would.
Treating Epicondylitis
As with most conditions, doctors will use noninvasive treatments like physical therapy, medication, and steroid injections at first in an attempt to avoid invasive surgeries. If the elbow responds well to these types of treatments, then no additional medical care may be necessary. If, however, these conservative treatments fail to alleviate the pain and allow for full function in your elbow, you may require surgery.
Elbow surgery for epicondylitis is typically performed with an arthroscope, a small tube that houses a camera and tools for the surgeon to perform their work. This eliminates the need for a wider incision for viewing or accommodating large surgical instruments and can help reduce problems like scar tissue and prolonged recovery due to damaging invasive techniques.
Working with an experienced healthcare provider is the most important first step towards relief from painful tennis elbow. Whether you require surgery or are able to manage your symptoms with physical therapy and medication, partnering with a doctor who understands epicondylitis and the variety of treatment options available can help you get back on track as soon as possible with minimal pain. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with an experienced and certified professional in your area.