Elbow of a tennis player (lateral epicondylitis)

Lateral epicondylitis (elbow of a tennis player) develops as a result of inflammation or micro-rupture of the distal humerus of the tendons of the extensor muscles of the forearm attached to the external epicondyle.

Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis are the presence of pain in the region of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus extending to the forearm.

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The causes of elbow tennis player (lateral epicondylitis)

Pathophysiological theories of the development of lateral epicondylitis include non-athletic and occupational activity that requires repeated and strong pronation and supination of the forearm, and excessive load or weakness (or both) of the long and short radius extensors of the wrist that relate to the muscles of the forearm and originate from lateral epicondyle of ulna. For example, during an impact on the left in tennis, the elbow and wrist are stretched, the tendons of the extensor, especially the short radius extensor of the wrist, can be damaged during rolling over the lateral nadmishelkom and the head of the radius. The predisposing factors include poor technique, weak muscles of the shoulder and wrists, tightly stretched strings of the racket, an inappropriately sized racquet handle, badly hit heavy heavy balls and the ball is not in the center of the racket.

In overcoming resistance, the lateral epicondylitis most often occurs with the bending of the hand, various types of raking movements and exercises on the muscles of the back when the trunk is raised, especially when the hands are in the position of pronation. Often injuries occur as a result of overload (too much activity or performing the same movements with a large number of repetitions) or a muscle imbalance between the flexors and extensors of the forearm.

Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis

First, the pain occurs in the extensor tendons when the wrist acts against the resistance (for example, when screwing the screw manually or striking the racket on the left). Pain can go from the lateral epicondyle to the middle of the forearm; in the course of time, subperiosteal hemorrhages, calcification, a spine in the form of a spine on the lateral epicondyle and, most importantly, degeneration of the tendons may occur.

Pain along the tendon of the extensor of the fingers, when the fingers unbend against the resistance and the elbow is straightened, serves as a reliable diagnostic sign. The diagnosis can be confirmed if the same pain occurs during the next appointment: the patient sits on a chair with the arm straightened at the elbow joint, the arms are placed on the table with the palm facing down; the doctor densely puts his hand on the back surface of the patient's hand, and the patient tries to bend his wrist.

Treatment of an elbow of a tennis player

The elbow treatment of a tennis player includes two phases. First use rest, ice, NSAIDs and stretching, together with cortisone injections in the painful area around the tendon. When the pain decreases, first perform light exercises on the resistance of flexor muscles and extensors of the forearm, then with eccentric and concentric resistance exercises. It is necessary to avoid activity, which causes pain with an elongated or pierced wrist. It is often advised to use elbow pads when playing tennis. A proven technique and the type of racket used can help prevent subsequent injuries.

Although the need for surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis arises quite rarely, a surgical method is used to treat lateral epicondylitis, including the removal of scars and degenerative tissue at the site of attachment of extensor tendons.