Tennis Elbow

WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW

Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a chronic condition that results from overuse of muscles and tendons in the elbow. This musculoskeletal disorder is usually associated with work-related activities or sports that involve a repetitive grip of the wrist. Interestingly, it’s not just tennis players who develop tennis elbow, but anyone who overuses the forearm with incorrect wrist action, resulting in small tears in the tendons joining the forearms to the outsides of the elbow.
This results in tendonitis and joint inflammation, with the elbow tendons become tender and sore. It is common for the individual to feel severe elbow pain or arm pain upon its movement. The most important thing to do at this stage is to rest the injured arm as much as possible. As far as treatment goes, support devices, pain medications, steroid injections and physiotherapy can be considered, depending on tolerance levels.

In those with tennis elbow, the muscles and tendons in the elbow joint become sore from excessive strain. Tiny tears and swelling develop, which can cause further inflammation and breakdown of the tendon, resulting in pain and tenderness. The most common symptom of tennis elbow is a burning sensation, an ache or a recurring pain on the outside forearm, just below the elbow bend. Other symptoms can include elbow stiffness (when extending the arm), weakness in the arm (inability to carry weight), gripping difficulty or muscle soreness.
These signs and symptoms could get worse if the person persists in continuing with the activities that led to the condition in the first place. Reduced mobility, joint discomfort, forearm discomfort (felt especially more at night), and pain on bending arm (such as when opening a jar or doorknob) are some symptoms. If left untreated, it could lead to severe pain and restriction in joint movements that interfere with daily activities.

The cause of tennis elbow injury originates from incorrect and repetitive motions in the wrist extensor muscles. Some of the causes behind this could be occupational hazards that involve repetitive wrist motion or power gripping. Tennis elbow could arise due to culprits that could be major factors like heavy lifting or sports injuries, or could stem from daily activities such as gardening, using the scissors, cutting tough food, swimming, sports that involves a lot of throwing, etc. Other common causes are due to overuse or muscle strain, physical activity by a person who is normally sedentary, poor ergonomics, etc.

The basic approach towards ayurvedic treatment for tennis elbow includes herbal therapies that have anti-inflammatory properties and help in healing the wear and tear that has occurred in the ligaments and tendons. Along with this line of treatment, massage therapy may also be done with medicated oils (abhyanga). When performed at an early stage, most people will find relief from Pichu or wrapping the area with bandages after applying medicinal oils.
The 5 treatment modalities of Panchakarma ayurveda are another treatment that can be used for ayurvedic treatment for tennis elbow in Kochi. Depending on your dosha balance, the Vaidya might decide to go with abhyanga, basti or specialized oil massage (podikkizhi, Ilakkizhi, Tailadhara, etc.) therapies. And when these treatments are done at the Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital, Kochi, which is built with a resort-like ambience, with highly-trained staff and every convenience in place, your healing experience will be so much easier!