Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition among athletes and activities that require repetitive movements of the arm and wrist. Although its name is associated with tennis, this condition can affect any active person, especially those who play sports such as paddle tennis, baseball, golf, or even those who do manual labour. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, prevention and recovery from epicondylitis, and offer recommendations for maintaining the health of this important joint.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is characterised by inflammation and pain on the outside of the elbow, which is the result of overuse of the muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. This problem often develops due to repetitive movements that require constant use of the arm, resulting in strain on the tendons.
Causes of Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Repetitive movements: Sports activities that involve constant hitting or throwing can cause stress on the arm muscles.
- Poor technique: Poor technique when playing sports such as tennis or golf can increase the risk of injury.
- Muscle weakness: Lack of strength in the forearm muscles can contribute to tendon overload.
- Age: Although it can occur in anyone, it is most common between the ages of 25 and 45, due to accumulated wear and tear and intense physical activity.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Symptoms of tennis elbow can vary in intensity and usually include:
- Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
- Weakness in the wrist or difficulty with movements such as gripping.
- Increased pain with activities that require arm extension, such as lifting weights or using tools
Prevention of Epicondylitis
Prevention is essential to maintain elbow health and avoid epicondylitis. Here are some recommendations:
- Muscle strengthening: Perform specific strengthening exercises for the muscles of the forearm and wrist.
- Correct technique: Make sure you learn and follow proper technique in your sports, seek guidance from a coach if necessary.
- Warm up and cool down: Take time before and after physical activities to properly warm up and cool down muscles.
- Training variation: Alternate sporting activities so as not to overload the same muscles and tendons.
- Adequate rest: Allowing for breaks and recovery is crucial to avoid muscle overload.
Epicondylitis Recovery
If you are already experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, it is important to approach recovery properly:
- Arm sleeves: Wearing a splint or forearm brace can help relieve pressure on the affected tendons.
- Rest: Give the affected joint a rest. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain in the first 48 hours.
- Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can design a programme of specific rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and improve elbow flexibility.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Consult a doctor for anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for severe pain.
At Solusports, to prevent and combat this pathology we recommend the use of 2 products, the Floky sleeves, and the Incrediwear sleeve.