Pains and weakness on the outside of your elbow? You may be suffering from Tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is found commonly in individuals who use repeated arm and wrist movements such as baristas, painters, bar tenders, office workers and racquet sports players.
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury caused by repetitive strain of the muscles controlling backward wrist and finger movements. This repeated strain causes degeneration of the tendon and subsequent pain.
Tennis elbow has long been known as ‘Lateral Epicondylitis’. However this indicates inflammation of the tendon. Studies now indicate that it is not an inflammatory condition but a degenerative one.
Symptoms Include!
Pain localised to the outside of the Elbow (especially on the bone). Weakness and pain that is worse with gripping and grasping. Pain that is worse with repetitive wrist movements. Morning stiffness and persistent ache
Tennis elbow affects approximately 1-3 % of people every year. Although it can affect anyone, people over 40 are most at risk. Funnily enough tennis players only make up only 5-10% of the patient population despite the name
If left untreated, it can take between 6 months and 2 years to get better. In some cases it may not get better without the need of physical therapy or surgery
Here are some exercises that may help speed up your recovery of tennis elbow
Joint pain is a common complaint that refers to discomfort, aches or soreness in joints of the body. Joint pain most commonly is a cause of arthritis, which is inflammation or pain coming from within the joint. Joint pain varies in severity from mild pain (causing discomfort or soreness only after certain activities) or more severe which limits movement or causes weight bearing to become extremely painful.
Areas effected by joint inflammation
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and the main cause of joint pain. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time. This can happen in any joint but the most common areas include the fingers, thumbs, neck, elbow, lower back, hips, knees and big toes. Like joint pain, Osteoarthritis can range in severity from mild to severe. Common symptoms of Osteoarthritis includes inflammation of the joint, pain and stiffness in the joint. Activity usually increases the severity causing joint swelling, decreased range of movement and muscle weakness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints causing inflammation and joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks smaller joints of the body, such as hands, feet and wrists. Larger joints including the knees and hips can also be affected depending on the severity. Common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include throbbing or aching pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a while, joint stiffness especially in the mornings, inflammation causing the joints to swell, become hot and tender to touch.
Injury/trauma
This is caused by the wearing out of a joint after any kind of physical injury. The injury could be from sport, a car accident, a fall or any other source of physical trauma. These injuries can cause damage to the cartilage and/or the bone, changing the mechanics of that joint and causing it to wear out quicker. The process of the joint wearing out can then be accelerated by further injury. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, joint stiffness and limited range of motion.
Chiropractic care is considered a safe practice that works to optimise the function of your joints, therefore making it possible to improve your motion with less pain. Chiropractic adjustments aim to realign the spine and improve the function of the nervous system in order to:
Reduce nerve impingement
If joints of the spine become misaligned they can apply unwanted pressure on the nerves causing pain, tingling, shooting pains and/or burning sensations. A Chiropractic adjustment aims to realign the spine in order to remove the pressure from the nerves so that they are no longer being irritated and therefore decreasing the pain felt by the patient.
Improve joint mobility
Mobility within the joints is essential when dealing with joint stiffness and pain. The adjustments performed by a Chiropractor may help to regain mobility of the joints and optimize function within the body. As you progress through your treatment, you may notice that you have more ease of mobility and flexibility. The Chiropractor may also teach you new posture exercises so that you are able to keep your spine in better alignment at home in between adjustments.
If you are having troubles with joint pain, consider seeing your local Chiropractor or and tell them about the issues you are experiencing so that they can create a tailored plan to reach your health goals. Explaining the problem to the best of your ability with adequate information of your problem to a health professional enables you to enhance your overall care as health care professionals are able to take a thorough history and complete a physical exam based on your ongoing complaint.
Pains and weakness on the outside of your elbow? You may be suffering from Tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is found commonly in individuals who use repeated arm and wrist movements such as baristas, painters, bar tenders, office workers and racquet sports players.
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury caused by repetitive strain of the muscles controlling backward wrist and finger movements. This repeated strain causes degeneration of the tendon and subsequent pain.
Tennis elbow has long been known as ‘Lateral Epicondylitis’. However this indicates inflammation of the tendon. Studies now indicate that it is not an inflammatory condition but a degenerative one.
Symptoms Include!
Pain localised to the outside of the Elbow (especially on the bone).
Tennis elbow affects approximately 1-3 % of people every year. Although it can affect anyone, people over 40 are most at risk. Funnily enough tennis players only make up only 5-10% of the patient population despite the name
If left untreated, it can take between 6 months and 2 years to get better. In some cases it may not get better without the need of physical therapy or surgery
Here are some exercises that may help speed up your recovery of tennis elbow
Eccentric Wrist Extension
Eccentric Supination
Soft tissue Muscle Mobilisation
Forearm Extensor Stretch
Remember to consult a health care professional before commencing these exercises
