Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is soreness or pain on the outer part of the elbow. It happens when you damage the tendons that connect the muscles of your forearm to your elbow. If you don't treat the injury, it may hurt to do simple things like turn a key or open a door.

Tennis elbow symptoms usually start gradually. The main symptom is pain. It may start with a dull aching or soreness on the outer part of the elbow that goes away within 24 hours after an activity. Over time, it may take longer for the pain to go away.

You may start to feel pain with any movement, even during everyday activities, such as lifting a jug of milk. You may even have pain when you aren't using your elbow. Other parts of the arm, shoulder, and neck may also be sore. This is because you are using different movements and muscles to make up for the loss of elbow strength and movement.

To diagnose tennis elbow, a doctor will examine your elbow and ask questions about the elbow problem, your daily activities, and past injuries. You probably won't need to have an X-ray. But you might have one to help rule out other things that could be causing the pain.

If your symptoms don't get better with treatment, you might need other tests.

• An MRI can show problems in soft tissues such as tendons and muscles.
• Arthroscopy allows the doctor to see inside the elbow.
• Bone scans are done in rare cases. They can show stress fractures in the bone or certain problems such as a tumor or infection.

You can start treating tennis elbow at home right away. It includes:

• Reducing pain. You can use ice and over-the-counter medicines. Do this as soon as you notice the pain.
• Stopping or changing activities that may irritate the tendon.
• Using wrist and elbow splints.
• Wearing a special counterforce brace.

With early rest and treatment, an injured tendon is likely to heal with scar tissue and maximum strength.

Most cases of tennis elbow respond to treatment. You will probably feel better in a few weeks, but it may take 6 to 12 months for the tendon to heal.

If your symptoms don't go away, your doctor may suggest:

• A corticosteroid injection. It may help relieve pain for a short time.
• Ultrasound therapy. It may help your tendon heal and stop pain.
• Surgery. But it's seldom used to treat tennis elbow.

• Encourage your child to rest his or her fingers, wrist, and forearm. Try to stop or reduce any activity that causes elbow pain. Your child may have to rest the arm for weeks to months. Follow your doctor's directions for how long to rest.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the elbow for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin. You can try heat, or alternating heat and ice, after the first 3 days.
• If your doctor gave you a brace or splint, use it as directed. A "counterforce" brace is a strap around the forearm, just below the elbow. It may ease the pressure on the tendon and may spread force throughout the arm.
• Prop up the elbow on pillows to help reduce swelling.
• Follow your doctor's or physical therapist's directions for exercise.
• Have your child return to usual activities slowly.
• Try to prevent the problem. Have your child learn the best techniques for the sport. For example, make sure the grip on the tennis racquet is not too big for your child's hand. Encourage your child not to hit a tennis ball late in his or her swing.

Medicine

• Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Your child may take anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), to reduce pain and swelling. Read and follow all instructions on the label.