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Pain in the Elbow

The Wimbledon tennis championships are coming up at the end of June and let’s hope the great British Summer weather is perfect for them this year!  One problem that many people over 50 suffer from is an ailment called “Tennis Elbow” which can be very painful and annoying, and is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons or the forearm and elbow.

It’s a very common condition with about 5 people per thousand in the UK having it annually, and while it’s very common between the ages of 30 to 50 it can occur at any age. The elbow joint is surrounded by a group of muscles that are responsible for moving your elbow, wrist and fingers. The tendons in your elbow join the bones and muscles together and control the muscles of your forearm. Tennis Elbow occurs when one or more of the tendons in your elbow become inflamed. The pain occurs at the point where the tendons of your forearm muscle attach to the bone. If this area becomes inflamed, then certain movements that use the forearm can be painful and the inner elbow can feel very tender and hotter than the rest of the surrounding area.  Twisting movements, such as turning a door handle or opening the lid of a jar, are particularly painful.

Tennis Elbow is a self-limiting condition. This means that in most cases the symptoms eventually improve and clear up without treatment.  However, the best “cure” for tennis elbow is rest and to put on a elasticated bandage below the elbow to help immobilize it. It can also be helpful to place ice on the elbow when resting it and in severe cases anti-inflammatory painkillers can help reduce mild pain and inflammation.  In the most severe cases, where the previous treatment hasn’t worked, and the pain remains intense, a cortisone injection is an alternative option.

It is a quirky condition,  and many doctors will advise to rest the elbow whilst admitting there is not much else they can advise,  and in many cases the condition will stay for weeks or months and then just completely disappear over night, never to re-occur!

Disclaimer

All content on Silverhairs.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated at all as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Silverhairs.com will not be responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content on www.silverhairs.com and we are also not liable for the content of any external websites or links from or to Silverhairs to any other websites. Please always consult your own doctor if you’re in any way concerned about any aspect of your health.

 

Do you have any tips on how to relieve the pain associate with Tennis Elbow?


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Mother of three grown-up daughters I am the ultimate multi-tasker and am passionate about my role as Silversurfers Website Editor and Social Media Manager. Always on the lookout for all things that will interest and entertain our community. Fueling fun for the young at heart!

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