Your doctor may recommend an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon for tennis elbow treatment in Singapore if they suspect that you could be plagued by a tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is scientifically known as lateral epicondylitis.
It is a condition characterized by inflammation or micro-tearing of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. This common ailment is often caused by repetitive or vigorous use of the forearm.
Engaging in activities like tennis, hence the name, can contribute to its development. However, tennis elbow can also arise from other actions such as forcefully banging or knocking the elbow. When the muscles in the forearm are strained, small tears and inflammation can occur near the bony bump called the lateral epicondyle, situated on the outer side of the elbow.
How do you know if you have Tennis Elbow?
There are several indicators to look out for if you suspect you might have tennis elbow. But the primary indicator is pain and tenderness in the bony knob on the outer side of your elbow.
This knob serves as the attachment point for the affected tendons. And note that with a tennis elbow, the pain can extend beyond the elbow.
It may radiate into your upper or lower arm. Also, despite the injury centring on the elbow, you may also feel discomfort while performing tasks with your hands.
Here are four common activities that may trigger the most pain if you have a tennis elbow:
- Lifting something: Engaging in lifting movements can exacerbate the pain associated with tennis elbow. The strain placed on the affected tendons during this action intensifies the discomfort.
- Making a fist or gripping an object: Activities that involve gripping, such as holding a tennis racket, can elicit pain. The action of flexing your fingers and engaging the forearm muscles can aggravate the injured tendons.
- Opening a door or shaking hands: Basic actions like opening a door or engaging in a handshake can become painful experiences if you have a tennis elbow. The repetitive motions and strain placed on the tendons worsen the symptoms.
- Raising your hand or straightening your wrist: Simple movements like raising your hand or straightening your wrist can induce pain if you have a tennis elbow. These actions put stress on the affected tendons, leading to discomfort.
You shouldn’t confuse tennis elbow with the golfer’s elbow. The latter affects the tendons inside your elbow.
For an accurate diagnosis of the tennis elbow, you will need a comprehensive examination by a medical professional. Most preferably, you will need the expertise of an orthopaedic specialist.
During the examination, your doctor will assess your arm. They will also examine your wrist, and elbow. You may be asked to flex these areas to determine the location of the pain.
In some cases, additional diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans might be ordered. These additional tests are usually preferred for confirming the presence of tennis elbow or ruling out other potential issues.
What Cures Tennis Elbow Fast?
If you experience any symptoms described and suspect tennis elbow, it best that you consult a healthcare provider. A specialist like an orthopaedic surgeon will give a proper evaluation and guidance on appropriate treatment options.
Early diagnosis and intervention can facilitate quicker recovery and help prevent further damage to the affected tendons. Here are some of the treatments your doctor may recommend for tennis elbow in Singapore;
- Applying Ice: Icing the affected area can help with the pain. It can also reduce the swelling that comes with tennis elbow. It would be best to ice the elbow for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Repeat the Patten for 2 to 3 days or until the pain subsides.
- Range of motion exercises: Gentle range of motion exercises can help with the stiffness on your shoulder. Most importantly, it can also improve flexibility which is impacted by this condition. For this option, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend specific exercises for you. The exercises that would be recommended here will primarily target the affected muscles and tendons. You may need to do these exercises three to five times a day.
- Physical therapy: You may also need the help of a physical therapist. Their role in this case would be to help you with stretching the muscles surrounding the elbow. They can provide good targeted exercises for your condition.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): OTC medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can also help with the pain due to tennis elbow. For your treatment, they may also be prescribed for the inflammation. If you’re going to use NSAIDs for your tennis elbow treatment in Singapore, use them sparingly and occasionally. This is important because they may have side effects like bleeding and ulcers. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding their usage.
- Steroid injections: In some cases, injections of steroids or painkillers may be recommended. Your doctor may administer these injections to alleviate swelling and provide temporary relief.
- Elbow strap: An elbow strap or brace can support the injured tendon as you heal. They can also help prevent further strain during activities. It helps to protect the affected area and promote healing.
If your condition doesn’t improve after two to four months with conservative treatment, your orthopaedic specialist may recommend surgery for your tennis elbow treatment in Singapore. Note that surgery is usually preferred for severe cases of tennis elbow.
The surgical procedure typically involves removing the damaged portion of the tendon and repairing the remaining tendon. Surgery has a success rate of around 85%-90% in resolving the issue.
Many people ask; how do you know you’ve recovered fully from a tennis elbow? Please, note that recovering from tennis elbow is a process that requires patience and caution.
So, rushing the recovery can exacerbate the damage, and hinder your progress. To gauge if you have truly recovered, consider these two key indicators:
- Grip objects or apply weight on your arm or elbow: You should no longer be painful when you do this. Your injured elbow should feel as strong as your unaffected one.
- Check for swelling: Any swelling should have subsided. Also, you should be able to flex and move your elbow effortlessly.
The Bottom Line
If you suspect that you have tennis elbow, seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening.
It can also help facilitate a faster recovery. A knowledgeable orthopaedic specialist will guide you through the necessary steps to manage the pain, promote healing, and gradually resume normal activities.
If you’re considering tennis elbow treatment in Singapore, contact us now to schedule a consultation. Call or visit us at;
Artisan Sports & Orthopaedics Surgery
290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Medical Centre #07-12,
Singapore 238859
(65) 8909 8877
https://www.artisanorthopaedics.sg/
