Understanding Tennis Elbow and Its Causes
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become inflamed or damaged. Despite its name, this condition isn’t limited to tennis players. Causes of tennis elbow include repetitive gripping motions, frequent lifting, painting, typing, carpentry work, and any activity that strains the forearm muscles.
Recognizing Tennis Elbow Symptoms
Common tennis elbow symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Difficulty lifting objects, even lightweight items
- Discomfort when twisting the forearm (like turning a doorknob)
- Pain that radiates down the forearm
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seeking treatment from an experienced orthopedic doctor for tennis elbow is crucial for proper recovery.
Effective Tennis Elbow Treatment Options
1. Activity Modification and Rest
“When the pain is there, avoid too much lifting,” advises Dr. Jagadeesh. Giving your tendons time to heal is the first step. Modify activities that aggravate your symptoms and take regular breaks from repetitive tasks.
2. Tennis Elbow Brace
Using the best brace for tennis elbow can provide significant relief. A tennis elbow band worn around the forearm just below the elbow helps reduce strain on the affected tendons, allowing you to continue necessary activities with less pain.
3. Physiotherapy and Exercise
Targeted physiotherapy plays a vital role in elbow pain treatment. “Exercise in the opposite way to reduce the pain completely,” explains Dr. Jagadeesh. These eccentric exercises strengthen the forearm muscles and promote healing. Ultrasound therapy can also help reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery.
4. PRP Therapy: The Advanced Solution
For persistent cases, tennis elbow treatment in Bangalore has embraced innovative approaches like PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy. “We take the blood from your own body and use it over the pain area,” Dr. Jagadeesh explains. “This induces the cells to form the muscle fiber that attaches to the bone.”
PRP therapy is a recent advancement that uses your body’s natural healing properties to repair damaged tendons, offering excellent long-term relief without surgery.
What to Avoid: The Steroid Trap
Dr. Jagadeesh emphasizes one critical warning: “Avoid taking steroids, which gives an instant solution but not a permanent solution.” While steroid injections may provide quick pain relief, they can weaken tendons over time and potentially lead to complications, making them unsuitable for long-term tennis elbow management.
Get Expert Care at Joss Center
If you’re struggling with tennis elbow, don’t let chronic elbow pain limit your life. The experienced team at Joss Center, Bangalore, offers comprehensive tennis elbow treatment options tailored to your specific condition—from conservative management to advanced PRP therapy.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. PC Jagadeesh today and take the first step toward lasting relief from tennis elbow pain.
