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Serving
Up Tips to Avoid Tennis Elbow
Don't let your life get fouled up by tennis elbow. A serving
of preparation and planning will net you freedom from that
nagging injury.
Tennis elbow -- or lateral epicondyle -- refers to pain
at the bony bump on the outside of the elbow, according
to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
(AOSSM). The pain is caused by repetitive stress on the
muscles connected to the lateral epicondyle.
The pain isn't limited to time spent bashing a ball with
a racket. It can flare up with any activity or movement
that requires the contraction of these muscles. That includes
shaking hands, picking up objects with your palms down,
or turning door knobs, health experts say.
Treatment for tennis elbow may include rest, stretching
and strengthening exercises, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation
to increase blood circulation to the area. Other options
include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such
as aspirin, ibuprofen, or prescription drugs that reduce
the irritation caused by the inflammation, the AAOSM says.
Applying ice to the joint after tennis or other activities
may decrease inflammation and relieve the pain.
The best way to deal with tennis elbow is to prevent it.
The AAOSM offers the following advice:
- Warm up before you play tennis. Muscles stretch better
when they're warm. Keep your muscles warm while
you play.
- Select the proper equipment and maintain it. Stress on
your elbow and wrist can be increased by a racquet
handle that's too small or big, a racquet that's strung
too tightly or loosely, or one that has too
big or small a head.
- Stay in shape for tennis. Stretch and strengthen all the
muscles you use while playing. Evaluate your tennis
techniques to make sure you're not doing something that
causes or irritates tennis elbow.
Article Source: HealthDay
Article Author: N/A
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