Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is Inflammation on the outside of the elbow. In the tendon area common to the wrists, typical of tennis players, but common in the world of employment. The phenomenon is especially common among manual workers whose work requires re-activation of the wrist, fingers, and forearms.

The pain usually begins gradually and is initially felt only in the elbow area. As the inflammation worsens the pain may also appear in the forearm area, and in the dorsal part of the palm.

There are several explanations for the high prevalence of infections in the area:

First, the area from which the tendons emerge is relatively small, so the forces exerted on each area unit are very large.
Second, the region suffers from a poor blood supply, so the recovery capacity after the intense activity is relatively small. This exposes the tendon to the development of inflammation, degenerative changes, and calcification.

In addition, a muscle that passes over two joints, and the wrists in particular will mostly suffer from inflammation and tears. This is due to a mismatch between the various movements (e.g. elbow raid + flexion of the palm).
Ignoring the pain and the developing problem can cause changes in the structure of the tendon, leading to a partial or complete rupture in it.

Inflammation of the elbow area impairs function in many areas of life. Among other things, the function will impair basic activities such as driving, eating, opening a bottle, turning a key, threading, and more.

Treatment

The initial treatment is rest. Already in the early stages of the problem, to prevent further strain on the tendons.

Supportive care: placing ice on the spot for cooling, and anti-inflammatory creams.

External supports can be used that reduce the load on the tendon.

If necessary Drug treatment with anti-inflammatory and steroid injections.

After the acute inflammatory response passes, it is recommended to gradually activate the elbow without pain. Isometric exercises should be started, without resistance, with the palm in a neutral position.

Further, it is recommended to combine dynamic exercises with a rubber band and add tension for a few seconds when the elbow at 90 degrees, the palm is at maximum flexion position. 

If there is no development of pain the resistance and the number of repetitions can be increased.

In order to reduce the risk of developing inflammation, the following rules should be followed:

Pay attention to the use of ergonomic tools, weights and training accessories that fit the size of the wrist and allow a neutral position of the wrist.

Be sure to perform light stretching of the tendons.