Nearly 50 per cent of all tennis players suffer from tennis elbow at some point in their career

United Arab Emirates, Dubai - 14th February, 2017:  Dubai is gearing up to host some of the world’s most elite tennis players for an upcoming tournament. The action-packed event is fact paced and exciting as both top seeded male and female players volley and smash their way to victory, winning a prestigious trophy and prize money.

However the road to Grand Slam glory and a superstar status is not an easy one for the athletes. Long hours of practice, lack of rest and other factors are common among players as are injuries such as sprains, pulled muscles and fractures. In fact, research has shown that at some point in their careers nearly 50 per cent of tennis players suffer from a painful condition called lateral epicondylitis, which is pain affecting the elbow caused due to repetitive motions or strenuous overuse of the tendons around the elbow.

Dr. Bhuvaneshwar Machani, Consultant Orthopedics at Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai and an expert in upper limb treatment, said, “This condition is also called ‘tennis elbow’ because it is so commonly observed in people who play tennis and other racket sport. However, you don’t have to play tennis to be afflicted by this condition; golfers and cricketers are equally susceptible as are people in jobs that use repetitive motions involving the arm and elbow such as gardeners, plumbers, cooks and painters. Its incidence is higher in people between 30 to 50 years of age.”

“Tennis elbow is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons around the outer side of the elbow. It specifically affects the area where the tendons and muscles of the forearm join the lateral epicondyle, which is the bony outer area of the elbow. Overuse of the tendons (due to repetitive motions) and the gradual weakening of the tendon (due to micro tears) cause inflammation and pain, making it difficult for an individual to bend the elbow.”

Dr Machani added, “The symptoms of tennis elbow develop over time and can start as mild pain and progress steadily. The symptoms could include a weakening grip, pain or a burning sensation on the outside of the elbow. The pain could worsen with activity involving the arm. Individuals experiencing this type of pain should visit a doctor immediately. Diagnostic tests such as x-rays, ultrasound or MRI can confirm the presence of this condition. However it is predominantly a clinical diagnosis. Doctors consider several factors before starting treatment and these include the person's age, medical history and severity of pain.

Sometimes, tennis elbow can be difficult to diagnose as they can mimic other elbow conditions and hence important to see a Specialist to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis and appropriate treatment offered.

“Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the first step would be to reduce inflammation and treat the pain. Complete rest, application of ice and the use of anti-inflammatory medication as well as cortisone injections are part of the treatment prescribed. The use of a splint and brace to keep the injured area stable can also be recommended. Physical therapy is common after the pain reduces.  If the injury needs more attention, then treatments using PRP (platelet-rich plasma from the individual) therapy, shockwave, or even surgery may be used to help the patient recover. Rest and rehabilitation are key elements of recovery. Most patients respond well to treatment and can resume normal activities within weeks of treatment. A small percentage of patients sometimes require more advanced treatment liker open or arthroscopic (key hole) surgery to release the pressure off the tendons,” he said.

Dr Machani said tennis elbow can also be prevented with some simple tips. “People who are risk should stretch and strengthen the muscles in their arm to increase strength and flexibility. Individuals who play tennis and other racket sport should use correct techniques and movements during activities to avoid injury. Ultimately, a person should be aware of how to avoid overuse by adequately resting their dominant arm whenever it is possible. These steps can protect people from injury in the long run.”