Informative paper on lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, by New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine student Anna Maria DiLisio. This is part 1, presenting basic bioscience knowledge about lateral epicondylitis.
Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow
- Recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow; occasionally, pain radiates down the arm toward the wrist.
- Pain caused by lifting or bending the arm or grasping even light objects such as a coffee cup.
- Difficulty extending the forearm fully (because of inflamed muscles, tendons and ligaments).
- Pain that typically lasts for 6 to 12 weeks; the discomfort can continue for as little as 3 weeks or as long as several year
The damage that tennis elbow incurs consists of tiny tears in a part of the tendon and in muscle coverings. After the initial injury heals, these areas often tear again, which leads to hemorrhaging and the formation of rough, granulated tissue and calcium deposits within the surrounding tissues. Collagen, a protein, leaks out from around the injured areas, causing inflammation. The resulting pressure can cut off the blood flow and pinch the radial nerve, one of the major nerves controlling muscles in the arm and hand.
To see the slide show click on the link below.
tennis_elbow_1.swf
Part 2 explains standard treatments and exercises for tennis elbow.
Exercises & treatments for tennis elbow.swf
