TENNIS ELBOW
This is the painful condition of elbow caused by overuse of arm, forearm and elbows. The term has become quite popular as the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was suffering from this condition and he has undergone surgery to fix up this condition.
It is most commonly seen in the professions where there is constant use of arms, forearms, wrists and elbows. Apart from the sports like tennis it is seen in carpenters, painters and plumbers. In medical terminology it is called as the lateral epicondylitis.
Causes:
The overuse of the muscles of forearm causes the tiny tear in the tendons of the forearm. The tear in forearms causes the pain and the stiffness in the elbow of the affected arm.
Symptoms:
The pain of Tennis elbow runs from outer side of the elbow through the forearm and wrist. There is gradual increase in the intensity of the pain which makes the following actions difficult.
- Lifting something from ground
- Holding objects like coffee mugs in hand
- Handshake
- Opening a tight lids of bottles or jars
- Twisting and turning around the doorknob.
Diagnosis:
X-Ray of the affected elbow is enough to make the diagnosis of Tennis elbow.
Treatment:
For the pain relief ice application on the affected elbow and the use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) are beneficial. Use of braces or straps on the affected forearm may be recommended by the doctor to reduce the strain on the tendons of the forearm.
If above measures fail to relieve the pain and stiffness then surgery is recommended for that patient. It is very important to continue with exercises of the forearm after the surgery to regain the power and strength of the muscles.
Role of Homeopathy:
Homeopathic medicines are useful for controlling the pain and the stiffness of the arm and the elbow. Homeopathic medicines are highly effective and can be safely taken for a long time. With exercises and homeopathic medicines most of the cases of Tennis elbow can be treated well.