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Proper therapy for tennis elbow
It may come as a surprise, but the so-called tennis elbow is not just for tennis players. Aside from the fact that most of the amateur tennis players are affected, the diagnosis can affect anyone who puts undue stress on their arm. So it can also meet office workers, for example, get a mouse elbow. In the meantime, they even make up the majority of patients with such symptoms. Andreas Lenich, Senior Physician in the Department of Sports Orthopedics of the Munich Klinikum rechts der Isar opposite the TZ. Accordingly, the constant pull of the muscles at the tendons leads to an irritation. "That's also the cause of the pain," says Lenich. This could still come in the course of an inflammation.
Break obligatory
Whatever the trigger, for a recovery is especially a break for the arm compulsory. Unfortunately, this is not always possible in the case of occupational irritation. In such situations, relieves, e.g. through technical aids, the affected body regions alleviation. In addition, one should try with one-sided load to relocate them, about the other hand.
Diagnosis decides on therapy
In order to be able to treat the symptoms properly, a thorough diagnosis is required. Extensive doctor-patient discussions and a series of simple tests help pinpoint the cause of the pain. In addition, ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to make a more accurate diagnosis. An X-ray can also provide information about the cause of the pain. The treatment then takes place in several stages according to the guidelines provided for this purpose. First of all, any strain that causes pain should be avoided. Lenich calls this "active rest". In addition, the pain is treated with analgesics and the affected areas are cooled several times a day. An arm splint also brings relief. In the further course of the therapy one can then use alternating warmth and cold and physiotherapy. A special bandage e.g. could lower the pressure on the muscles. During the third stage of the therapy, the affected area will then be made fit for everyday life with targeted exercises. The goal is a uniform strengthening of the muscles.
Natural remedies can help
Other treatment options include natural medicine as well as conventional medicine. First and foremost here is the acupuncture. It can be curative provided the patient ceases the triggering activity, such as playing tennis. Other approaches to be mentioned are osteopathy and Rolfing.
Warning of cortisone
On the other hand, Lenich warns against the use of cortisone. Although cortisone would quickly relieve pain, it would damage the tendons in the long term, which is why the use has since been removed from the treatment guidelines.
Shock wave therapy also controversial
Other controversial possible therapies are the shockwave therapy and the injection of autologous blood. However, as the benefits are questionable, patients must pay for these therapies themselves.
Operation as a last resort
If the three-stage treatment guideline does not help, the operative intervention remains virtually as an ultima ratio. But here, too, there are different, sometimes questionable methods. So some doctors would simply cut the affected tendons. However, this is controversial because it leads to instability of the joint, and in addition to incorrect stress on the muscles and tendons is a common cause of the symptoms that should be eliminated by the OP actually. Such instability, underlying the pain, may result from older injuries. These damages could then be remedied with the help of an OP. (Jp)
Picture: Gandi