Why does the outer part of my elbow hurt so much?
If you have pain on the outer part of your elbow, morning stiffness and if lifting objects has become more difficult, you may have tennis elbow.
What is it?
Tennis elbow, while associated with playing tennis, can just about happen to anybody. It is due to injury or degeneration of one of the forearm muscles as the point at which in inserts into the outer bony part of the elbow. Patients tend to be between 30 and 60 years of age. Fortunately, tennis elbow has a tendency to be a self limiting condition of middle age, lasting for about a year then resolving, never to return.
Why did I get it?
The strongest association with tennis elbow is age. While commonly associated with playing tennis and explained by the fact that repeated microtrauma and overuse result in it, there is little scientific support for this.
In most cases, there is no one reason for this condition and is most likely a result of several contributory factors.
How will my doctor assess me?
Tennis elbow is a diagnosis most often made from taking a good medical history and physical examination. In some cases, your doctor may take X-rays or perhaps order an MRI to evaluate the severity of the condition as well as exclude other possible conditions if the diagnosis is in doubt.
What is the treatment prescribed for this?
Treatment in most cases is simply adequate rest. This allows any micro injuries within the muscle to heal. In more severe cases, your doctor may suggest icing your elbow as well as stretching exercises and ultrasound therapy. In addition to this, you are likely to be prescribed painkillers to alleviate your discomfort.