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Description Tennis elbow is a situation in which the external part of the elbow becomes tender and has pain. Although the name suggests, that it is related only to the tennis players, it is not... |
Description
Tennis elbow is a situation in which the external part of the elbow becomes tender and has pain. Although the name suggests, that it is related only to the tennis players, it is not so. In any sport, if the sportsman excessively extends his elbow, it can be called as tennis elbow. Those individuals who perform work involving lifting the elbow or frequent movement of the wrist have a greater possibility of developing a tennis elbow. This condition occurs mainly due to a particular strain or excess use. It was in 1883, that this state was first explained. The medical terminology for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. As per the ICD-10 classification, the tennis elbow has been given the number M77.1.
Medical description
The initial location of pathological alteration in a tennis elbow is the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Further changes also occur in extensor digitorum communis, longus and ulnaris tendons. The extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon has a tiny foundation and it passes on huge forces through the tendon at the time of frequent grasping. It is also vulnerable when subjected to shearing stresses concerning all types of movements of the forearm. No proof has been found which substantiates the mechanism of onset to pathology. It is usually accepted that the tennis elbow is a result of overuse or recurrence of micro trauma. In the acute stages of the situation, inflammatory changes are seen. If the symptoms become chronic i.e. exist for more than three months, these inflammatory changes are absent. There is sufficient evidence that racquet sport is the leading cause for tennis elbow. However, it may be found in non-racquet using individuals also. This condition is normally seen in the age group of 34 to 54. It can equally affect both men and women.
Symptoms
There is pain in the external region of the elbow or lateral epicondyle. Motion of the wrist and gripping activities lead to hurting feeling. Particularly, wrist extension and elevating movements are painful. Even very ordinary acts like lifting a cup of tea or throwing a baseball can cause elbow pain. There is a particular tender feeling when the elbow is touched. The pain is relatively less during the night. In the absence of treatment, it may become chronic and hard to eliminate.