Elbow Room

Dr Yash Gulati, senior consultant and orthopaedic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo, New Delhi. 8216;8216;The muscle bellies of the forearm narrow as they merge into the tendons, creating highly focussed stress areas on the bone of the elbow.8217;8217;

Why are these particular tendons so susceptible to injury?
8216;8216;Tennis elbow is simply an overuse injury brought about by a wrong or repetitive movement,8217;8217; says Dr Gulati. 8216;8216;Many individuals who suffer from tennis elbows are involved in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscles.8217;8217;

What is the manifestation of a tennis elbow?
8216;8216;It starts as a mild pain on the outside of the elbow and worsens over weeks and months when the wrong movement is not corrected,8217;8217; says Dr Gulati. 8216;8216;Left untreated, it transforms into a severe, burning pain, which can radiate to the forearm even when there is no movement.8217;8217;

Who8217;s vulnerable to a tennis elbow?
Though there are no age-related susceptibilities, most patients are in the 30-50 age group. They could also be
Suffering from some injury to the wrist
Athletes in racquet sports, especially those whose bat/racquet handles are unsuited for their palm size
Housewives who lift heavy objects in an awkward manner, or wring clothes too hard
Mechanics using screwdrivers
Professionals who spend hours on the computer keyboard
Or even surgeons using operating tools very frequently

How does one go about the treatment?
Though Tendulkar has famously gone in for surgery, most cases call for non-operative treatment. 8216;8216;Pain relief is the main aim of any treatment, the first step of which is ceasing all activity that brings on the symptoms,8217;8217; says Dr Gulati.
Physiotherapy: Very essential, and must include both stretching exercises and ultrasonic treatment. Any inflammations can be treated with ice packs, hot pad or hot water massages
Medication: Acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief. Alternatively, local steroid injections
Orthotics: In extreme cases, orthotics8212;use of counterforce braces and wrist splints8212;can help control symptoms
Surgery: Only recourse for patients suffering from incapacitating pain that does not get better after months of non-operative treatment