Elbow Pain? You May Have Tennis Elbow!

Elbow Pain? You May Have Tennis Elbow!

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is an injury caused by repetitive motion, like repeatedly swinging a tennis racquet, which can develop over time. However, it can also develop from a traumatic event such as a fall or an impact in an auto accident.

The pain in the elbow develops as a result of microscopic tears in the tissue. These tears result in muscle strain and tendon inflamation. Therefore, repeating motions and movement will only continue to irritate and increase the pain at the point of injury.

Tennis elbow can develop from these other activities:

Jobs/Hobbies that require repetitive motion:
Carpentry
Typing
Painting
Gardening
Plumbing
Raking
Knitting

Sports:
Tennis
Golf
Racquetball
Squash
Fencing

How do you know if you have tennis elbow? Check the bony knob on the outside of your elbow. Is it tender or cause you pain?

You may also experience pain when you:

Lift objects
Make a fist
Grip an object
Open a door
Shake hands
Raise your hand
Straighten your wrist

How is tennis elbow diagnosed? Your doctor will have to do a thorough exam, testing the flexibility of your arm, wrist, and elbow. The doctor may also need to do X-rays or a MRI. If tennis elbow is confirmed, then you need to start treatment.

How do you treat tennis elbow? Try giving your elbow a break, perhaps wearing a elbow strap to protect your elbow from further strain. You could also ice the elbow 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for three days, which will reduce the swelling and pain. Other methods such as taking ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin as directed, steroid injections, and motion exercises can ease pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Another good way to treat tennis elbow is to get physical therapy, which will strengthen and stretch muscles. However, a severe case of tennis elbow that doesn't respond to common treatment may require surgery. During the procedure, the damaged section of the tendon will be taken, and the remaining tendon is repaired. This surgery usually has a 85%-90% success rate in treating tennis elbow.

A woman with tennis elbow tried self-treating for three years by icing her elbow and taking ibuprofen. Her treatment stopped the pain for a little while, but it never completely went away. She finally decided to try physical therapy, which after three months, strengthened her muscles enough to stop the pain. She continues to do motor exercises to keep the flexibility in her elbow and arm.

If you have tennis elbow, you should see your physician. Delaying treatment can prolong pain, increase the strain and swelling of your tendons, and ultimately worsen your tennis elbow. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to treat, and the longer you have to suffer.

We at Murphy & Associates have represented people that have developed tennis elbow or Epicondylitis, due to an on the job injury or from a traumatic situation like an auto accident. If you or a family member have suffered a work related injury or have been injured in an auto accident, and would like to speak with an experienced attorney concerning your tennis elbow, please call us for a free consultation at (770)-577-3020.