Tenonitis and tennis elbow is a health condition resulting from repetitive stress or overuse of the muscles and tendons in the arm and elbow. This condition is characterized by pain and swelling in the affected area, which greatly affects daily activities and the ability to work. Appropriate treatment is essential to relieve symptoms and avoid potential complications.
Causes of Tendonitis and Tennis Elbow
Repetitive stress: Activities that involve repetitive movements of the arm and wrist.
Injuries: Direct injuries to the elbow or severe strain on the tendons.
Lifestyle and occupation: Work that requires constant movement of the elbow and wrist such as drawing, cooking, or working on a computer.
Sports activities: Especially in sports that require use of the arms such as tennis and golf.
Symptoms of tendinitis and tennis elbow:
Elbow pain: Pain increases with movement and can spread to the arm and wrist.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving the arm and wrist smoothly.
Swelling and redness: Swelling and redness around the elbow area.
Weak grip: Difficulty gripping objects due to pain and weakness.
Methods of diagnosing tendinitis and tennis elbow
Physical examination: The doctor examines the elbow and wrist area and asks the patient to move his arm to assess pain and range of motion.
X-ray: To rule out fractures or other bone problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Can be used to assess the condition of the tendons and soft tissues around the elbow.
Ultrasound tests: To see the tendons and determine the presence of tears or inflammation.
Treatment methods at Dr. Ahmed Al-Shal’s clinic:
After a careful assessment of the condition and knowing the degree of pain and the extent of damage, the appropriate treatment for each case is determined, including:
Use of supports and medications: Initial treatment includes using supports to stabilize the elbow joint and reduce movement, which helps relieve pressure on the affected tendons and muscles, with some medications such as anti-inflammatories to help reduce pain and swelling.
Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the affected area can relieve pain and swelling.
Shockwave or radiofrequency therapy: If the patient does not respond to traditional treatments, shockwave or radiofrequency therapy can be used. These techniques help stimulate the natural healing process and relieve pain.
Ultrasound-guided injections: Ultrasound is used to guide a fine needle to the inflamed area, where substances such as cortisone, platelet-rich plasma, collagen, or Botox are injected. These injections help reduce inflammation and improve tendon and joint function.
Tendinitis and tennis elbow are conditions that require immediate treatment to avoid complications. With proper treatment and prevention, symptoms can be controlled and quality of life improved. It is recommended to consult with specialist doctors to obtain appropriate treatment according to the severity of the condition and the patient’s general health condition. For more information, contact us.