What is tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?

Did you know that you can still get tennis elbow even if you don't ever play tennis? In principle, tennis elbow or golfer's elbow (epicondylitis) can start from any activity, in which the hand has to grip permanently with the elbow bent. These movements can overload the extensor tendons at the elbow. This then results in inflammation and pain.

These days tennis elbow occurs in people who often sit in front of a computer and work with the mouse. In tennis, it usually affects players with bad technique or athletes who simply try too hard.

Signs and symptoms

In general, the affected elbow only hurts when it is moved, for example, when gripping and lifting. The strength in the hand and fingers can decrease and it becomes more difficult to carry heavy objects. The muscles in the forearm are often very tense. Pins and needles may develop in parallel. The doctor makes his diagnosis on the basis of a simple physical examination. He asks the patient to extend his/her wrist and to turn the arm at the elbow against resistance. If the pain worsens, this is a sign of tennis elbow.

Risk factors and causes

Important: the cause is not at the elbow itself, but in the muscles of the hand and fingers. If these are chronically overworked or used incorrectly, tennis elbow can develop. This incorrect use or overwork typically occurs when using the mouse with a computer. But renovation or plastering work, screwing lots of shelves together, mowing the lawn or trimming the hedge put a strain on the muscles of the hand and thus on the elbow joint. Occupational groups such as plumbers or mechanics are also often affected.

Prevention

Avoid typical incorrect use:

• Use the right techniques when playing tennis and, if necessary, invest in a few coaching sessions.
• Cushioned mouse pads and ergonomically designed mice help the wrist. Also advisable: learn the shortcuts that can be entered using the keyboard.
• Buy a powered screwdriver if you often assemble new furniture.
• Lift objects up in such a way that the palms of the hand face your body.
• And last but not least: watch out for signs of overwork and take a break in good time.

Tennis elbow can usually be healed without an operation 

But the patient has to change his familiar sequences of movements at work and in sports to avoid one-sided stresses and strains. 

A wide range of add-on treatment approaches help relieve the symptoms quickly: 

Many doctors initially recommend elbow supports such as Epicomed from medi for the irritated tendon origins. The compressive knit of these supports reduces pressure and supports the affected forearm musculature. This relieves tension on the tendon origins.

There are also special epicondylitis braces, such as medi Epibrace. This has an incorporated pad that specifically reduces the pressure and prevents pressure peaks.

These days, such medical devices are small and light. They can be worn during the day under clothing without any problem. They contribute to the treatment of tennis elbow and are thus perfect allies for all epicondylitis patients. 

Other common procedures are physiotherapy, acupuncture and painkillers. Special massages (transverse friction) and ultrasound or electrotherapy are said to improve the circulation. 

Icepacks and medicated dressings help calm the inflammation. A comprehensive range of exercises to strengthen the musculature can also cure tennis elbow or golfer's elbow.

Products from medi

Click to view the products from medi can help in the treatment of tennis elbow.