TENNIS/GOLFERS ELBOW

ABOUT TENNIS/GOLFERS ELBOW

Tennis/golfers elbow is a form of tendonitis that causes pain in your elbow. It is triggered by repetitive movements such as typing, DIY or sports like squash or javelin. Any daily activity that puts stress on the forearm can cause tennis/golfer’s elbow. It is most common among people aged 35-55 and is usually experienced in your dominant hand. We can treat Tennis Elbow in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Worksop.

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the forearm and elbow joint. Whereas Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the joint.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TENNIS/GOLFERS ELBOW?

Pain from tennis or golfer’s elbow can be felt in the forearm and also the wrist and hand. Most people with tennis or golfer’s elbow will experience one or more of the following:

• Discomfort when bending or lifting the arm

• A weakened grip or pain when gripping objects

• Pain when performing a twisting movement of the forearm e.g. using a door handle

• Stiffness or pain when fully extending the arm

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

As with all forms on tendonitis, treatments are focused around rest and then the proper conditioning on the tendons on the forearm:

• Rest – avoid the activity that causes the pain and adapt your movements to take the stress from certain tendons. For example, try lifting objects with your palm face down or face up to see which is more comfortable.

• Pain relief – over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can treat the pain and possibly reduce any inflammation as well.

• Ice therapy – helps reduce inflammation but also promotes blood flow to the area.

• Physiotherapy – exercises that promote flexibility and strength are important for recovery. Your physio may also recommend different therapies, such as using a TENS device.

• Injections – steroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in your elbow and arm. This may make physiotherapy more comfortable.

Surgery is used when elbow tendonitis isn’t improving after a year of treatment or the condition is particularly painful or debilitating. Book an appointment to treat your Tennis Elbow in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster or Worksop. You can also follow us on social media.