Tennis/Golfers Elbow

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two common overuse injuries that affect the elbow joint. These conditions can cause significant pain and limit an individual's ability to perform daily activities.

 

Anatomy:

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Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow both involve the tendons and muscles that attach to the elbow joint. In tennis elbow, the pain is typically located on the outer side of the elbow, while in golfer's elbow, the pain is typically located on the inner side of the elbow.

 

Pathoanatomy:

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Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow occur when the tendons and muscles that attach to the elbow joint become inflamed or damaged due to repetitive stress or overuse. This can cause pain and weakness in the affected arm.

 

Mechanism of Injury:

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The mechanism of injury for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow typically involves repetitive stress or overuse of the affected tendons and muscles. Activities such as tennis, golf, and other sports that involve repetitive gripping motions can increase the risk of developing these conditions.

 

Symptoms:

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The symptoms of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow may include pain and tenderness on the outer or inner side of the elbow, respectively, weakness in the affected arm, and difficulty performing normal activities that involve gripping or lifting.

 

Treatment Options:

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The treatment of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. In general, non-operative management is recommended for mild to moderate cases, while operative management is recommended for severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.

 

Non-operative management typically involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. In some cases, a brace or splint may also be recommended to support the affected arm and reduce stress on the damaged tendons and muscles.

 

Operative management typically involves surgical repair or release of the affected tendons and muscles. This is typically reserved for more severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.

 

Recovery from surgery:

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Recovery from surgery for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow can take several months and requires a comprehensive rehabilitation program. In the immediate post-operative period, the patient will need to wear a brace or splint to protect the affected arm and allow for healing. Physical therapy will be necessary to restore range of motion and strength in the affected arm, with a gradual return to normal activities over several months.

 

Overall, the treatment of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the severity of the injury and the patient's overall health. With prompt and appropriate treatment, most patients can achieve a good outcome and return to normal activities. However, recovery from surgery can be a long and challenging process that requires patience and dedication to rehabilitation.