WHAT EXACTLY IS TENNIS ELBOW???              

It is inflammation of common extensor origin where all tendons attached to the bone on lateral epicondyle of the humerus are affected. The primary muscle involved in this condition, the extensor carpi radialis brevis, helps to extend and stabilize the wrist

CAUSES                                                                                   

   1: all of a sudden strain due to jerk or stronger contraction of muscle.

   2: overuse of common extensor tendon such as “repetitive” gripping and grasping activities.

   3:repeated direct external trauma to lateral epicondyle

  4: sudden increase in activities that place stress on the forearm extensors (such as involvement in a tennis tournament over consecutive days)

Symptoms

1: pain associated with activities in which extensor muscles are active, such as lifting, gripping, and/or grasping.

2: The pain is located over the outside aspect of the elbow, over the bone region known as the lateral epicondyle.

3:With activity, the pain usually starts at the elbow and may travel down the forearm to the hand. Occasionally, any motion of the elbow can be painful.

Treatment

  • Modalities such as ultrasound, heat treatments, and interferential therapy will reduce inflammation around extensor tendons
  • Stretching for joint tightness (particularly the wrist, elbow, neck or upper back)
  • Correction of poor posture
  • Inclusion of adequate warm-up
  • Corrective rehabilitation of old neck or upper back injury
  • Ergonomic correction
  • Developing work demand related endurance in involved muscle to avoid repetitive strains

Grade 1 exercises for tennis elbow

In tennis players, inappropriate racquet size, grip size, string tension, court surface or ball weight may all contribute to the development of this condition.Proper positioning and handling of a computer mouse.

  • Proprioceptive mobilization of elbow
  • Kinesthetic taping with corrected position for extensor tendons