The cause of wear and tear on the body leading to pain is not always attributed to old age or excessive use of a joint or body part. Pain can often result from overuse of a joint, tendon, or specific body part due to factors like sports injuries or accidental injuries that cannot be treated with rest and non-prescription anti-inflammatory medications. One of them is Tennis Elbow.
What is Tennis Elbow? What happens in Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is a type of tendinitis that involves swelling of the tendons. Although it has a sports-related name, it is not limited to sports injuries and can also occur due to hobbies or professions such as carpentry, typing, painting, or knitting. The pain in the elbow joint and the rest of the arm is caused by overusing the same tendons and muscles.
Tennis elbow is a condition that develops due to repeated use of the elbow joint and tendons, particularly through gripping activities that involve the thumb and first two fingers. This repetitive stress can directly affect the tendons around the elbow, leading to pain. Although the condition is commonly observed in individuals around 40 years old, it can affect anyone of any age.
Tennis elbow can cause pain and discomfort that can spread through the lower and upper arm, leading to tenderness and discomfort even during minor hand movements. The interconnectedness of our body parts means that any harm to the elbow joint can be worsened by the movement of the hand. Routine activities like holding a phone or driving can become painful and challenging, making tasks such as caring for a baby difficult and distressing.
What are the ways to treat Tennis Elbow?
To address tendon damage or strain, medical professionals typically suggest applying ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes every three to five hours for up to three days from the onset of pain, resting the elbow and arm, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and inflammation. Furthermore, a physical therapist may suggest specific range-of-motion exercises.
In some cases, the pain may worsen to the point where prescription pain relievers or steroid injections are necessary. However, these treatments are known to provide only temporary relief. In serious cases, surgery may be required
Another treatment option is PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma therapy or PRP therapy is a more effective solution to dealing with the pain caused by the tennis elbow. This therapy involves injecting plasma from your blood to help repair damaged cells and speed up the healing process. Combining this therapy with physical therapy can further accelerate the recovery process.
Know more about PRP therapy
This technique involves extracting a sample of the patient’s blood and using a machine called a centrifuge to divide it into its various constituents, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The platelets and plasma are then combined to generate a concentrated platelet-rich solution, which is injected into the impacted region to augment the body’s inherent healing mechanism.
To get PRP therapy in Orlando for tennis elbow, visit Innovative Pain Solutions. With us, you will forget your pain soon.