Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common and painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. It typically develops due to overuse or repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. This condition is characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, which is a bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can be caused by various activities, not just playing tennis. The condition leads to symptoms such as pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, weakness in the affected arm, and discomfort when gripping or lifting objects.
Initially, you may experience pain, burning, or an ache on the outside of your elbow and forearm. Over time, the pain may intensify, especially if you continue the activity that caused the condition, and it may spread down to your wrist, even when at rest. Another symptom of tennis elbow is a weakened grip.
You may feel pain when placing your arm and hand palm-down on a table and attempting to raise your hand against resistance. Additionally, lifting and gripping small objects, such as a coffee cup, may also cause pain.
Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive use and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, which can strain and damage them over time. Activities that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive wrist and arm motions are common culprits. Tennis elbow can result from various activities that require repetitive arm movement and gripping, such as painting, carpentry, weight lifting, or playing musical instruments. In some cases, poor technique can contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
To diagnose your tennis elbow, you will need to visit your family doctor or a healthcare provider for a physical examination. You may also require an X-ray to assess the condition of the bones in your elbow and check for any signs of arthritis.
Additionally, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can provide detailed images of your tendons, helping to determine the extent of the damage.
Treating tennis elbow involves a combination of self-care and professional interventions. First, rest the affected arm to avoid aggravating symptoms and apply ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy is crucial to strengthen forearm muscles and improve flexibility, and braces or splints can provide support to the affected area.
In more severe cases, medical interventions like prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, Hyaluronic (HA) Injections, HA + corticosteroid injections, or shockwave therapy can promote healing. Additionally, our cutting-edge treatment, SportVis™, is an innovative solution for conditions like tennis elbow and sprained ankles, delivering effective pain relief and fast recovery.
Surgery is a last resort, typically reserved for when all else fails. Lifestyle changes, such as proper ergonomic techniques and equipment in your daily activities, can help prevent the condition’s recurrence. Seeking professional guidance and early intervention can enhance your chances of a full recovery from tennis elbow.
At Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic, we understand how tennis elbow can disrupt daily life, impeding routine tasks and affecting overall quality of life. That’s why our commitment lies in offering non-surgical remedies that effectively relieve pain and enhance comfort.
For patients without a diagnosis or x-rays, it is crucial to first consult with your family doctor or schedule an appointment at Old Orchard Medical Clinic for a physical examination.
Following that, schedule x-rays and any supplementary imaging at a local hospital or West Coast Medical Imaging facility, such as the Arbutus clinic located at:
2184 West Broadway, Unit #390,
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E1
Phone: 604-731-2200
These steps will ensure accessibility to your imaging reports when visiting Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic.
For patients with a prior diagnosis and x-rays, begin by completing our online questionnaire to book your initial consultation with Dr. Teri Fisher. We will then contact you to schedule your appointment. Remember to bring along any existing imaging reports, including X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, MRA, or CT scans, to your initial consultation.
We offer the latest and most advanced injection treatments in sports medicine and rehabilitation, such as Prolotherapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), SportVis (Hyaluronic Acid (HA)), and Cingal (Hyaluronic Acid + Cortisone) injections. However, before considering these treatments, it is imperative to undergo X-rays and potentially further imaging tests to properly evaluate your condition at our clinic.
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