Tennis players and enthusiasts enjoy a variety of benefits that help support healthy cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Still, avid tennis players maintain a higher risk for sustaining some type of elbow injury or condition that stems from repetitive behavior or overuse. If you enjoy playing tennis and are interested in understanding how you can avoid potential injuries like tennis elbow, consider the following recommendations provided by our team of Atlanta orthopedic doctors.
Definition of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is classified as an overuse injury that is unique to athletes and enthusiasts who participate in this specific sport. The condition develops as a result of repetitive arm and wrist action that deteriorates the integrity of the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the elbow. When such tendons are overused or strained, they become inflamed, which causes significant pain for the pain for the patient.
If you start to notice elbow pain or heightened sensitivity around this area, speaking with an experienced orthopedic doctor can provide a world of benefits. They can help you rule out alternative conditions before you attempt to treat your pain using your own devices or methods. Most cases of tennis elbow improve without medical intervention. Still, ignoring your symptoms or trying to cope with the pain is not an ideal plan of action as it pertains to supporting your long-term health.
Treating Tennis Elbow
- Rest and Ice: Allowing your body to rest is imperative for treating tennis elbow. The source of this condition stems from overuse so taking a break from tennis for a few weeks is essential for allowing your body to rest and repair worn out tissue. Applying an ice pack to the affected area is helpful for reducing inflammation that may exist.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: Purchasing over-the-counter medications like Advil or Ibuprofen can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation. It’s important to understand that such medications are not meant to treat the source of the condition and do not serve as permanent solutions – connecting with an orthopedic doctor may still be necessary to achieve a complete recovery.
- Physical Therapy: An experienced therapist can help walk you through various exercises that help strengthen the muscles that exist in your forearms.
- Arm Brace: Wearing a brace or wrist splint can help prevent the affected area from being exposed to more stress or pressure.
Contact AICA Orthopedics For Tennis Elbow Treatment and Pain Relief
Depending on the extent of your condition, your orthopedic doctor may recommend particular treatment solutions that differ from those mentioned here. Contact our office to schedule a complete examination to understand the depth of your injury and the type of treatment options that are appropriate for your specific needs. Just dial (404) 855-2141 to speak with one of our staff members about your availability.
