The tennis elbow medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterised by pain and inflammation of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. It typically occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to microtears and degeneration.

Symptoms of tennis elbow may include:

Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, particularly with gripping or lifting objects.

Weakness or stiffness in the affected arm.

Pain that worsens with activities such as gripping, lifting, or twisting motions, such as opening a jar or turning a doorknob.

Difficulty fully extending the forearm or making a fist.

Treatment and management strategies for tennis elbow typically include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that aggravate elbow pain, particularly those that involve repetitive gripping or wrist extension. Rest the affected arm and modify activities to reduce stress on the elbow.

Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Compression and Elevation: Use a compression bandage to provide support and reduce swelling. Elevating the arm above heart level when resting can also help minimise swelling.

Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility and strength in the forearm muscles. Therapists may also use techniques such as ultrasound or massage to promote healing and reduce pain.

Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the affected area may provide temporary relief of pain and inflammation, particularly for severe cases. However, these should be used judiciously and under the guidance of a medical professional.

PRP injections: Dr Tushar prefers regenerative therapy for most of the musculoskeletal conditions.

Ultrasound-guided PRP injections are thought to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the damaged tendon. This can lead to pain relief and improved function in the affected elbow joint. PRP therapy is often used as a non-surgical treatment option for tennis elbow, particularly in cases where conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications have not provided sufficient relief.

Consultation with Dr. Tushar
Seek evaluation and guidance from Dr. Tushar, an orthopaedic specialist experienced in treating elbow conditions. Dr. Tushar can provide personalised recommendations and treatment options based on your specific needs and medical history.