TENNIS ELBOW POPULARLY KNOWN AS TENDULKAR’S ELBOW

15 Jan TENNIS ELBOW POPULARLY KNOWN AS TENDULKAR’S ELBOW

“If Sachin bats well, India sleeps well”. This was a famous quote on the influence the legendary batsman had on the psyche of a cricket-mad nation throughout his career of 24 years of international cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar’s career can be compartmentalized into many phases but none so harrowing as 2004-06 when tennis elbow almost threatened to end his career. ”My tennis elbow injury, unfortunately, happened at the beginning of the season (2004-05). I was not even able to hold a bat then” disclosed by master blaster himself.

Accordingly Wallace carried out the surgery on 23rd May 2005 at London. Sachin recovered steadily and rest is history after this sports injury.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that results in pain around the outside of the elbow. This is often as a result of overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm. It may be due to certain sports or everyday activities especially if you do a lot of heavy or repetitive arm activities.

Common symptoms

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow.
• Pain can also track down your forearm.
• Pain on repeated wrist movements, gripping activities or rotation of the arm.
• Difficulty in fully straightening your arm.

How long wills it last?

In most cases, tennis elbow will gradually improve. This is a process that can vary in time from weeks to several months in some cases.

Activity – Continue your normal daily activities but do try to avoid any activities that aggravate your symptoms such as heavy lifting. Try and take regular breaks from activity, especially repetitive or sustained activities such as computer work.

Medication – If you have been prescribed pain relief take this at regular intervals until the pain settles. We can advise you on this.

Brace – In some cases a tennis elbow brace or clasp may help. Our Physiotherapist or us will be able to advise you.

Ice – Try applying cold to the area for 8-10 minutes several times a day. Wrap ice in a towel before using to prevent burns to the skin.

Exercises – Try the following exercises. If your symptoms worsen on doing the exercises then stop and ask the advice of our team.

1. Stretch the forearm muscles;

With your arm straight and thumb turned outwards, gently bend your wrist forwards until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

2. Eccentric strengthening exercise;

Rest your affected forearm on a table so your hand can hang over the edge. Use your non-affected hand to help extend your wrist backward. The let go and very slowly lower your affected hand down over the edge of the table. This can be made harder by holding a light weight in your hand.

You should do this exercise 15 times, 3 times daily

Try using ice for 10 minutes after you have completed these exercises.

Other treatments that may be offered:

• In some cases we may use a steroid injection or PRP injection.

• You may be referred to a Physiotherapist. They may use acupuncture, taping or alternative exercises that are suitable for your individual case.

• In cases of severe pain which does not improve with conservative management we do surgery. However this is rarely necessary.

TENNIS ELBOW POPULARLY KNOWN AS TENDULKAR’S ELBOW

Tennis elbow popularly known as Tendulkar’s elbow