Signs or Symptoms
Localized soreness and pain around the elbow
Tenderness when doing activities that stress the elbow like golf, tennis, painting
Description
Inflammation of the muscle tendons and ligaments.
Causes
Over use is one of the most common causes. However, many times there are weaknesses in the wrist or in the shoulder that cause you to have to overuse the muscles of the forearm. A common problem is improper form in tennis where you do not use your body properly overstressing the elbow.
Standard Treatment
Rest, ice, tennis elbow splints and anti-inflammatory medications. If these fail to relieve the symptoms, steroid injections may be used.
AK Approach
The elbow can be injured by either immediate direct trauma or by repeated micro trauma. If the injury occurred from a single trauma, the examination is directed immediately to the severity of the injury. Otherwise, the examination is more general as to the total functioning of the upper extremity. It is rare to find an elbow injury without a preexisting weakness in the legs, torso or shoulder. As the elbow is placed at a disadvantage by a weakness in the legs, torso or shoulder the examination begins by looking for factors in these areas that would adversely affect elbow stability. Locally, the stability of the major ligaments of the elbow is then tested for. The muscles that support the elbow are evaluated to find the ones that are malfunctioning. These are corrected and then tested for the need of corrective exercises.
The attention is then shifted to the localized structures that are injured and failing to support the elbow joint properly. These can include specialized treatments for ligaments, muscles, skin and joints. Finally, attention is directed to corrective procedures that can help coordinate the muscles to help prevent future injuries. Nutritional therapies aimed at increasing factors that would speed healing and reduce any inflammation are considered.
Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the condition. A specific program for your needs is created.