Tennis elbow, also called  lateral epicondylitis,  is a muscle disorder that occurs as a result of some causes. This condition, which causes pain and soreness, is mainly caused by damage to the tendons in the elbow. Because of its name, it may be thought to be a condition seen in tennis players. It is known to be more common in tennis players. However, since it is also seen in different people, it covers some professional groups. This condition, which occurs in the lateral epicondyle region of the elbow, is easily treatable. Therefore, it does not require much surgical intervention. However, if physical and drug treatment does not work, surgical intervention may be required by the doctor. Therefore, tennis elbow is an orthopedic disorder that many people suffer from today.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

The elbow joint consists of the humerus, radius, and ulna bones. These bones are held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Therefore, if these muscles, ligaments, and tendons are damaged, the elbow joint will not be able to function properly. Damage to the tendons leads to degeneration and tears. Tennis elbow is therefore an injury caused by damage to tendons, muscles, and ligaments.

Why Does It Occur?

Tennis elbow, one of the orthopedic disorders, is slightly different from the others. The fact that it is seen especially in tennis athletes reveals that it is a disease that occurs as a result of straining the arm muscles. Excessive use of the hand and wrist will cause the arm muscles to strain the others. The fact that it is seen especially in tennis athletes reveals that it is a disease that occurs as a result of straining the arm muscles. Therefore, as the forearm muscles contract, this injury occurs.

Tennis elbow is common not only among tennis players but also in other occupations. It is especially common in painters, plumbers, and carpenters. The most important reason for its occurrence is excessive use and strain on the hand and wrist. It is also likely to be seen in people who work at a desk. To summarize,  the most important reasons for tennis elbow  are as follows:

• Constantly using the Mouse
• Painting
• Using plumbing materials
• Playing tennis all the time
• Constantly chopping meat

Tennis elbow usually occurs due to these reasons. This injury, which is usually seen between the ages of 30 and 50, negatively affects people’s lives. Since the constant use of the hand and wrist during the day causes this injury, it becomes unusable. This causes the person to have difficulty doing both their work and their daily activities. There is a  treatment for this injury,  which is more common in racket sports. Since it is possible to recover with physical therapy, it also provides convenience to the person.

Tennis Elbow Symptoms

Tennis elbow, which can be defined as a type of muscle and bone injury, has some symptoms. This injury, which affects the elbow and wrist directly, is characterized by pain and soreness. This pain, which spreads from the elbow to the forearm, also makes it difficult to use that hand. Tennis elbow’s most common symptoms are as follows:

• Wrist and elbow aches and pains
• Difficulty holding an object
• Difficulty turning the door handle
• Feeling aches and pains when lifting any object

In general, these are the most common  symptoms of tennis elbow.  Since it negatively affects the person’s daily activities and works life, a doctor should be consulted if these symptoms are seen for a long time. This injury, which causes pain, soreness, and weakness, is treated by the doctor with appropriate methods.

Treatment For Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is diagnosed by a doctor through a physical examination before it is treated. Movement and pain in the wrist and elbow, and the person’s occupation, are usually sufficient to diagnose the injury. However, if there are variable factors, it can also be diagnosed by X-ray. The tennis elbow is not a very serious injury and usually heals on its own.

If the person is a tennis player and suffers from this injury, the doctor will prescribe therapy. He or she will also give some tennis-related suggestions and ask the person to do some exercises for the wrist and elbow.  Wrist-oriented eccentric exercises  are important at this point. These exercises, given by the physiotherapist, are usually easy and aimed at relaxing and stretching the muscles. Furthermore, this therapy is not only for tennis players but also for people in other professions. These exercises, which relieve pain in the arm muscles, should be done several times a day for as long as the doctor prescribes. Moreover, forearm slings and supports are among the treatment equipment that can be used in the  treatment of tennis elbow.

Especially in the case of a painful tendon, injection therapy may be necessary.  Ultrasonic tenotomy  is another treatment method. A needle is inserted into the damaged tendon, and the damaged tissue is liquefied and suctioned out. However, if it is a long-lasting injury that negatively affects the person’s life and health, surgery may be necessary, according to the doctor’s decision. Surgery is another solution if the physical and injection treatments prescribed by the doctor have not worked. It is the goal of tennis elbow surgery to remove diseased or injured tissue. Therefore, the surgical process is started through an incision in the area. The person needs to do  rehabilitation exercises  after the surgery.

In addition to all  these treatment methods,  those who suffer from tennis elbow should pay attention to some factors. The factors to be considered in this temporary injury are as follows:

• Work should be suspended when pain is felt.
• Take on a lighter task at work.
• Wrist stretching exercises should be performed regularly.
• Ice application is also a useful method for this injury.
• Activities that may increase pain should be avoided.

When all these are taken into account during the treatment process, a rapid recovery is achieved. The recovery period for tennis elbow  is usually between 6 weeks and 2 years. Although this varies from person to person, it is usually a condition that can go away on its own. These cases can be cured with  physical or surgical treatment methods,  preventing problems such as weakness later on.