Anyone for tennis Elbow

Any one for Tennis.... Elbow?

Following on from our article in May on different types of elbow pain, Alex Marek, Registered Osteopath at Shoreham Osteopathy Centre, expands on this “seasonal” injury!

Balmy evenings, freshly cut grass, strawberries and cream, Pimm’s - tennis season has arrived. Perhaps you’ve been inspired to dust off your racket! Lateral Epicondylitis, the medical name for “tennis elbow” is the most common overuse syndrome of this joint. It is an injury to the tendon (tendinopathy) of some of the muscles of your forearm, which originate from the outside of your elbow, travelling down to the back of your wrist. Interestingly only 5% of people suffering from it relate their injury to playing tennis! It results from any muscular overload that chronically stresses the tendon near its attachment on the elbow. So you can also sustain this condition from other sports, including squash, badminton, swimming and field throwing events - or occupations that involve repetitive one-sided movements of the arm, eg computer use, heavy lifting and carrying or vibration (eg drilling). This means almost anyone, from office workers to carpenters, electricians, gardeners, may present with “tennis” elbow. The classic symptom is worsening pain on the outside of the elbow where the tendon attaches, associated with increase in activity levels. At first, pain might only be present at the beginning of an activity, disappear during the activity itself and reappear once cooling down. Pain is often easy to pin-point and described in early stages as ‘‘severe’’ or ‘‘sharp’’, becoming a constant ‘‘dull ache’’ as it becomes chronic. If you think you may have tennis elbow, try the following: • Seek professional advice. Elbow pain has many causes and proper diagnosis is important.

• Rest from aggravating repetitive movements (racket down, strawberries and cream up!)

• Apply ice

• Wear a suitable elbow support

• Anti-inflammatories (if medically directed)

At SOC, our trusted osteopaths will conduct a full assessment, treatment and advice. We might not turn you into the next Nadal, but we’ll do our utmost to resolve your symptoms and get you back to health! Call us on 01273 567654 or email info@ shorehamosteo.co.uk