.png)
In This Article -
Discover effective solutions to alleviate tennis elbow pain at our Pain Clinic. Learn about causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and home remedies.
Tennis Elbow is a pain in the muscles of the hand that is usually caused by playing various sports like cricket, tennis, golf, badminton, etc. and sometimes due to overuse of the hand. This pain causes difficulty in raising or lowering the hand and doing any kind of work.
Common symptoms of this pain are:
• It can range from the outside of the elbow to the wrist.
• A burning sensation may accompany pain in the hand at times.
• Loss of grasping ability such as grasping, shaking hands, etc.
• Sometimes the hand may feel swollen.
Tennis elbow can occur for some reasons, including:
Sports: Sports like tennis, cricket, golf, badminton, etc. can be the main cause of this pain. This is due to excessive use of hands and stress on the hands in these games.
Type of work: Nowadays, many people have to sit at home and work on the computer for a long time. This pain can be caused due to overuse of the hand and wrong posture of the hand.
Habits: Sometimes this pain can be caused by some bad habits such as pressing the hands in a bad way or doing a certain heavy work for a long time.
Age: This pain can occur with increasing age. Elderly people are more likely to develop sudden hand pain due to any reason.
What tests are used to diagnose this pain?
Doctors examine the patient's elbows, wrists and fingers by applying pressure to various areas for the treatment of tennis elbow pain. In addition, patients are asked about work, play or other physical activities to get a history of pain. Different tests according to the type of pain of the patients such as:
• Electromyography: In this test, pain can be understood by seeing if there is a problem with the nerve of the elbow.
• MRI: This can look for the type of tendon damage in the elbow, which in some cases can also detect neck arthritis or back problems, as well as help diagnose elbow pain.
• Besides, the type of pain can be known by understanding the condition of the elbow bones by X-ray, and sonography.
How is tennis elbow treated?
Tennis elbow treatment depends largely on the physical condition, type of illness, and type of physical activity. Based on the type of pain, pain control drugs and injections are given.
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium are given by the doctor.
Corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma are used as injections.
Ultrasound Guided Tenotomy: Using ultrasound to guide a special needle through the skin to control pain in the affected area of the tendon.
Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections for Tennis Elbow -
Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, a common treatment for tennis elbow, involve precise needle placement guided by ultrasound imaging. This targeted approach delivers anti-inflammatory corticosteroids to alleviate pain and swelling in the affected tendon. The procedure, performed with a local anaesthetic, aims to enhance efficacy and minimize discomfort. Post-injection, patients may follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and additional recommendations, including activity modification and rehabilitation exercises.
Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Tennis Elbow -
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections offer a promising treatment for tennis elbow. In this procedure, a small amount of the patient's blood is drawn, and the platelets, rich in growth factors, are isolated and injected into the affected elbow. These growth factors stimulate tissue repair and promote healing, potentially reducing pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow. PRP therapy is minimally invasive and has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional treatments. While research on its effectiveness continues, many individuals have reported positive outcomes, making PRP injections a valuable option for those seeking non-surgical alternatives to address tennis elbow discomfort. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for personalized advice.
Ultrasound-guided tenotomy for Tennis Elbow -
Ultrasound-guided tenotomy is an innovative approach to treating tennis elbow. This minimally invasive procedure employs real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely guide the introduction of a needle into the affected tendon. Subsequently, targeted ultrasonic energy is applied to break down damaged tissue, promoting healing and reducing pain associated with tennis elbow. Compared to traditional surgical methods, ultrasound-guided tenotomy offers a less invasive option with potentially quicker recovery times. While further research is ongoing to establish its long-term efficacy, early results suggest it is a promising intervention for individuals seeking an alternative to conventional treatments for tennis elbow. Consultation with a medical professional is recommended for personalized advice.
What home remedies should be followed to reduce this pain?
Regularly follow some free hand exercise which helps in maintaining hand-to-wrist flexibility and improves blood circulation.
Avoid any heavy work that may aggravate hand and elbow pain.
Ice should be applied to the hands at least 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes to reduce the pain.
Avoid doing any specific heavy work for long periods.
Athletes should follow the medication and other exercises as prescribed by the doctor.
About The Author -
Dr. Debjyoti Dutta is a distinguished pain specialist and accomplished author affiliated with Samobathi Pain Clinic and Fortis Hospital in Kolkata. Currently serving as a registrar at the Indian Academy of Pain Medicine, Dr. Dutta specializes in musculoskeletal ultrasound and interventional pain management. His notable contributions to the field include impactful publications such as "Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Pain Medicine" and "Clinical Methods in Pain Medicine," providing profound insights into pain management. In addition to his clinical roles, Dr. Dutta acts as a faculty member for the Asian Pain Academy Courses, playing a crucial role in delivering high-quality pain management fellowship training in Kolkata, India. His efforts significantly contribute to the education and professional development of individuals in the field.
Comments