Tennis Elbow Treatment in Dubai
Tennis Elbow Facts
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What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, clinically referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is a prevalent condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons connecting to the bony protrusion on the outer aspect of the elbow, known as the lateral epicondyle. This injury arises from the overuse of forearm muscles, leading to inflammation and small tears in these tendons. In other words, tennis elbow can be triggered by repetitive forearm movements involving gripping, twisting, and swinging.
While often associated with sports such as tennis, it can also occur due to repetitive actions in various activities like painting, hammering, typing, gardening, and playing musical instruments. Individuals afflicted with tennis elbow typically experience increasing elbow discomfort or a burning sensation, often accompanied by a weakened grip.
Tennis Elbow treatment or lateral epicondylitis treatment often includes rest, pain medication, and physical therapy that can alleviate associated symptoms. However, individuals who find these treatments ineffective or whose symptoms significantly impact daily activities may consider alternative interventions such as injections or surgical procedures for tennis elbow treatment in Dubai.
Did you know? Contrary to its name, many individuals affected by tennis elbow are not tennis players. Certain professions involving repetitive motions can predispose individuals to this condition, including plumbers, painters, carpenters, and butchers. |
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is frequently associated with excessive use and strain on the muscles, although its exact cause remains unclear. Repetitive tensing of the forearm muscles responsible for wrist extension and elevation can initiate symptoms by causing microtrauma to the tendon fibers connecting these muscles to the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow.
Activities that commonly induce symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Engaging in racket sports, particularly with improper backhand technique
- Utilizing plumbing tools
- Painting
- Operating screwdrivers
- Preparing food, especially meat, by cutting
- Prolonged use of a computer mouse
Occasionally, tennis elbow can also be triggered by an injury or a condition affecting the body’s connective tissues. Also, age can be a factor; it predominantly affects individuals aged 30 to 60 years old.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
Symptoms of tennis elbow typically emerge gradually, starting as mild discomfort and progressing gradually over weeks to months. In many instances, there is no identifiable injury that triggers the onset of symptoms.
Visit our tennis elbow specialist in Dubai if you are encountering the following symptoms persistently:
- Pain or burning sensation felt on the outer aspect of the elbow
- Reduced grip strength
- Occasionally, nocturnal pain
Symptoms are often exacerbated by activities involving forearm movements, such as gripping a racket, using a wrench, or shaking hands. While the dominant arm is commonly affected, both arms can be involved.
Diagnosis
Our tennis elbow doctor in Dubai might suggest the following examinations to exclude alternative causes of your condition:
X-rays:
These images offer detailed views of dense structures like bone, aiding in the exclusion of elbow arthritis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan:
Utilized for visualizing soft tissues such as muscles and tendons, an MRI scan may be prescribed to assess tendon damage or to rule out other injuries. If there’s suspicion of a neck-related issue contributing to your symptoms, an MRI scan of the neck may be recommended to investigate the presence of a herniated disk or arthritic changes. Both of these conditions can manifest as arm pain.
Electromyography (EMG):
Ordered to rule out nerve compression, an EMG is particularly relevant as numerous nerves traverse the elbow region, and symptoms of nerve compression can mimic those of tennis elbow.
Elbow Tendinitis Treatment
Non-surgical Options
It is crucial to avoid the activity that initially caused your injury. Treatment options may encompass:
- Rest and discontinuation of the activity-provoking symptoms
- Application of ice packs to alleviate inflammation
- Implementation of strengthening and stretching exercises
- Administration of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen
- If these measures prove ineffective, your healthcare provider might discuss the following options:
- Immobilizing the affected area with a brace for several weeks or using a specialized brace during activities
- Administering steroid injections to alleviate swelling and pain
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a biological treatment aimed at enhancing the tissue’s biological environment, can also help in delivering tennis elbow relief. This method entails obtaining a small blood sample from the arm, centrifuging it to isolate platelets containing growth factors, and injecting them into the affected area.
Surgical Intervention
When conventional lines of treatment fail, surgery might be opted as a cure for tennis elbow. These surgeries aim to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote healing of the affected tendons.
Here are some common types of tennis elbow surgeries:
- Open Surgery: In open surgery, the surgeon makes a larger incision over the affected area to directly access and repair the damaged tendons. This procedure allows for a more comprehensive examination and repair of the tendon and surrounding tissues.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: Arthroscopic surgery involves using a tiny camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions around the elbow joint. This minimally invasive approach enables the surgeon to have a clear view inside the joint and perform precise repairs to the damaged tendons while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
- Debridement: During debridement surgery, the surgeon removes damaged or degenerated tissue from the affected tendons. This aids in reducing inflammation and pain while promoting the growth of healthy tissue.
- Tendon Release: Tendon release surgery involves releasing or cutting the affected tendon to relieve tension and reduce pain. This procedure is one of the best treatments for tennis elbow if conservative treatments have been unsuccessful in relieving symptoms.
- Tendon Transfer: In cases of severe or chronic tennis elbow where the affected tendon is irreparable, tendon transfer surgery may be considered. This involves transferring a healthy tendon from another part of the body to replace the damaged tendon and restore function to the elbow.
Looking for expert Tennis Elbow treatment in Dubai?
Dr. Hesham Al-Khateeb has your back
When it comes to expert Tennis Elbow treatment in Dubai, Dr. Hesham Al-Khateeb stands ready to provide comprehensive treatment and support. With his specialized expertise and dedication to patient care, Dr. Al-Khateeb is committed to providing comprehensive and determining the best way to treat tennis elbow in every individualistic case. Whether it’s through conservative measures or advanced surgical interventions, he ensures expertise at every level – from alleviating your elbow pain to restoring function and promoting healing.
Don’t let Tennis Elbow hinder your quality of life – trust in Dr. Hesham Al-Khateeb for exceptional care and a path towards recovery.
