2960 North State Rd. 7 | Suite 204 | Margate, FL 33063
Tennis elbow, correctly termed lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the outer layer covering of the bone located at the lateral (outer) aspect of the elbow, caused by repeated forceful flexion of the wrist, like the snap of hitting a tennis ball on the forehand stroke. Golfer’s elbow is a similar problem to the medial (inner) aspect of the elbow. Both conditions are considered cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) and are caused by over use of the affected part. Tennis players and golfers however, are not the only people who are plagued by these problems. This condition may also be accompanied by inflammation of the tendons of the forearm (tendonitis). This problem is particularly difficult to treat because it is very hard to “rest” the area by not using the hands and arms.
Medical treatment usually consists of anti-inflammatory medication to decrease inflammation and an elbow splint to remove the constant pulling of the tendon to the covering of the bone. If this doesn’t work, corticosteroid injections into the arm are tried. In severe cases, the arm can be placed in a cast or sling to prevent use and continued inflammation. If these interventions don’t work, surgery is sometimes indicated. If left untreated, this condition typically becomes increasingly painful and debilitating.
At Northwest Wellness Center our approach is a combination of natural anti-inflammatory herbs and vitamins, physical therapy to the tendons and muscles of the forearm, manipulation to the elbow and wrist and neck if required, deep tissue massage to the forearm, splinting to the muscles of the forearm, and rest of the arm. We also look to strengthen the opposing muscles of the forearm to prevent the condition from returning. Acupuncture has also been shown to help alleviate this very painful condition.
