Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects people who perform repetitive arm motions, such as playing tennis, painting, or typing. The condition affects the tendons in the elbow joint and causes pain and inflammation in the outer part of the elbow. While tennis elbow can be a minor inconvenience for some, for others, it can be a debilitating condition that affects their daily activities. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, you may be wondering when tennis elbow becomes a serious concern. In this blog post, we’ll discuss when tennis elbow requires medical attention and the treatment options available to help you recover.
When pain starts affecting your daily activities
One of the first signs that your tennis elbow may be becoming a serious concern is when the pain starts affecting your daily activities. For example, if you find that you’re having difficulty gripping objects, opening doors, or performing routine tasks due to the pain in your elbow, it’s time to seek medical attention. Your doctor or chiropractor can assess the severity of the condition and recommend the appropriate treatments.
If the pain doesn’t go away with rest and self-care
Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the pain persists despite your best efforts at self-care, it may be time to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor. They can help you develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of the pain and helps you recover faster.
If the pain is severe and accompanied by other symptoms
In some rare cases, tennis elbow can be triggered into a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you experience severe pain in the elbow accompanied by swelling, redness, fever, numbness, or weakness in the arm, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection or nerve damage. You should seek medical attention right away to prevent further complications.
If the pain recurs or worsens over time
Even after successful treatment, tennis elbow can sometimes recur or worsen over time, especially if you continue to perform repetitive arm motions or engage in activities that place stress on the elbow joint. If you notice that your elbow pain is returning or getting worse, it’s time to see your doctor or chiropractor. They can assess your condition and recommend additional treatments or preventive measures to help you avoid future flare-ups.
Treatment options for tennis elbow
Tennis elbow can be treated with a combination of physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and self-care measures. Physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles around the elbow joint, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve range of motion. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and tension in the muscles and joints, restore proper alignment, and improve overall mobility. They can also help you understand tennis elbow so you know what treatment looks like. Self-care measures such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications can help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery to relieve the pain and restore function.
Tennis elbow can be a minor nuisance or a serious condition that affects your daily activities. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, it’s important to seek medical attention if the pain persists, affects your daily activities, recurs or worsens over time, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Your doctor or chiropractor can assess the severity of the condition and recommend the appropriate treatments. With the right treatment and preventive measures, you can manage your tennis elbow and improve your overall quality of life.
