Tennis Elbow

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Pham Thi Binh Minh, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3.

Tennis Elbow Syndrome is often caused by overuse or repetitive movements of the wrist and elbow.

The name "tennis elbow" means "tennis player's elbow", but tennis players are not the only ones who suffer from this syndrome. Tendonitis due to Tennis Elbow syndrome can also occur in many people and many different ages.

Expression

- The patient has pain in the elbow area, mainly on the outside of the elbow, spreading down to the forearm and wrist.

- The elbow may or may not be swollen, red.

- Pain increases when moving, or when doing things like:

* Grasp an object, or lift an object.

* Turn the door handle.

* Wring the towel.

* Open the water bottle cap.

* Raise your arm or stretch your wrist.

Reason

- Overuse injuries and muscle strains.

- Repetitive contraction of the wrist extensor and finger extensor muscle groups.

- Repetitive movements and muscle strain can lead to micro-tears in the tendons and inflammation.

Who is likely to get Tennis Elbow?

- Age: The disease can affect all ages, but is most common between the ages of 30 and 50.

- Occupation: People whose jobs involve repetitive movements of the wrists and arms such as plumbers, painters, carpenters, butchers, chefs, office workers...

- People who play some sports using rackets such as tennis, badminton...

Diagnose

Tennis Elbow Syndrome is diagnosed quite easily through clinical examination. The doctor may apply pressure to the elbow area or ask the patient to extend the wrist and fingers. In addition, the patient will be diagnosed through soft tissue ultrasound images.

In some cases, if your doctor suspects other causes, he or she will recommend an X-ray or electromyography...

Treatment

Early treatment can cure the disease completely and leave no sequelae. Treatment methods include:

- Rest, avoid activities such as stretching the wrist, lifting heavy objects.

- Use elastic bandage to fix the elbow area.

- Use anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.

- Physical therapy exercises.

- Surgery may be indicated if pain medication does not relieve pain after 6 to 12 months.

- Treatment with traditional medicine: Significant pain relief after just one treatment, with no side effects.

* Use medicines that have the effect of promoting blood circulation.

* Acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture.

* Thread implantation.