Tennis elbow, despite its name, is a condition that seldom relates to tennis. In fact, this misleading moniker points to a common misunderstanding about a widespread ailment. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is the most prevalent cause of pain on the outer part of the elbow and upper forearm. Here’s a comprehensive look into the truths and myths surrounding this orthopedic issue.
The Reality of Tennis Elbow
It's a common misconception that tennis elbow only affects athletes. The truth is that nearly everyone is susceptible to developing this condition at some point. It's characterized by pain and tenderness around the outer elbow, exacerbated by certain wrist movements. Even lifting your morning coffee mug can be super annoying. Despite the discomfort it causes, tennis elbow is self-limiting and resolves without intervention, although patience is required—it can take anywhere from six to twelve months to heal fully.
Interestingly, the severity of symptoms varies widely. Some individuals experience minimal discomfort, while others endure severe pain. People’s pain tolerance also plays a significant role in how they perceive their condition. Often, individuals visit our office not because of the pain itself, but due to fears of further injury or the unknown aspects of their condition.
Diagnosing and Understanding the Condition
The diagnosis of tennis elbow is straightforward and typically does not require advanced imaging like MRI, which tends to overstate the condition with findings like "partial thickness tears." In reality, these findings are seldom an indication for surgery. The surgical approaches to managing tennis elbow, which often involves treating the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon, are generally considered unnecessary. The natural course of tennis elbow does not usually necessitate such invasive measures.
The Pitfalls of Common Treatments
The traditional approach to treating tennis elbow often includes the use of steroid injections. However, these are not without risks. Steroids can be harsh on the tendons and surrounding ligaments, leading to further complications such as skin dimpling and vein prominence. Although some patients report temporary relief from steroid injections, the pain frequently returns, and in some cases, the condition worsens. Furthermore, the steroid can delay the healing response and cause further tissue damage.
Another popular option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. These injections can be useful, but they are not covered by insurance and can be expensive. Furthermore, a PRP injection is not a quick fix. It will still take 4-8 weeks for the symptoms to start to resolve after the injection. Physical therapy and braces have benefits. They can shorten the length of time that you have discomfort.
Alternative Therapies and Patient Advice
Patients may also encounter recommendations for various light therapies, such as red light or laser treatments, and even shockwave therapy. These alternatives, though less conventional, might offer some benefit, although availability and patient experiences vary.
Ultimately, the key to managing tennis elbow lies in understanding and patience. It's important not to rush the healing process or fall prey to every purported cure, especially those promoted on platforms like Instagram. Many touted solutions offer little more than a placebo effect.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow, a misnomer leading many to underestimate the condition's ubiquity and nature, is an irritating but generally self-limiting disorder. Most individuals can continue their daily activities without significant modifications. The course of the condition is often lengthy (can be 6-12 months), but understanding its true nature can alleviate unnecessary anxiety and prevent costly and potentially harmful treatments. In most cases, the best approach is to allow time for natural recovery, providing relief from physical pain and the burdens of worry and misinformation.
