what is Tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow (external humerus epicondylitis) is a painful inflammation of the tendon at the beginning of the forearm extensor muscle outside the elbow joint. The pain is caused by a chronic tear caused by repeated exertion of the extensor muscle of the forearm. Patients may experience pain in the affected area when they grip or lift objects with force. Tennis elbow is a classic example of burnout syndrome. Tennis, badminton players are more common, housewives, brick workers, woodworkers and other long-term repeated efforts to do elbow activities, are also prone to this disease.
Symptoms
The onset of most of the disease is slow, the early symptoms of tennis elbow, patients only feel elbow joint lateral pain, patients consciously elbow joint above the activity pain, pain can sometimes radiate upward or downward, feel acid distension discomfort, unwilling to activity. Hands can not be hard to hold things, holding the spade, lifting the pot, twisting towels, sweaters and other sports can make the pain worse. There are usually localized tender points on the external epicondyle of the humerus, and sometimes the tenderness can be released downward, and even there is mild tenderness and movement pain on the extensor tendon. There is no local redness and swelling, and the extension and flexion of the elbow are not affected, but the rotation of the forearm may be painful. In severe cases, the movement of stretching fingers, wrists or chopsticks can cause pain. A small number of patients experience increased pain on rainy days.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of tennis elbow is mainly based on clinical manifestations and physical examination. The main symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow joint, radiating pain from forearm to hand, tension in forearm muscles, limited extension of the elbow, stiffness or restricted movement in the elbow or wrist joint. Pain worsens with activities such as shaking hands, turning a door handle, palm-down object lifting, tennis backhand swing, golf swing, and pressing on the outer side of the elbow joint.
X-ray images show arthritis or fractures, but they cannot detect issues with the spinal cord, muscles, nerves, or disks alone.
MRI or CT scans generate images that can reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
Blood tests can help determine if an infection or other condition is causing pain.
Nerve studies such as electromyography (EMG) measure nerve impulses and muscle responses to confirm pressure on the nerves caused by herniated disks or spinal stenosis.
How to treat Tennis elbow with electrotherapy products?
The specific use method is as follows (TENS mode):
①Determine the right amount of current: Adjust the current strength of the TENS electrotherapy device based on how much pain you feel and what feels comfortable for you. Generally, start with a low intensity and gradually increase it until you feel a pleasant sensation.
②Placement of electrodes: Put the TENS electrode patches on or near the area that hurts. For elbow pain, you can place them on the muscles around your elbow or directly over where it hurts. Make sure to secure the electrode pads tightly against your skin.
③Choose the right mode and frequency: TENS electrotherapy devices usually have a bunch of different modes and frequencies to choose from. When it comes to elbow pain, you can go for continuous or pulsed stimulation. Just pick a mode and frequency that feels comfortable for you so you can get the best pain relief possible.
④Time and frequency: Depending on what works best for you, each session of TENS electrotherapy should typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, and it's recommended to use it 1 to 3 times a day. As your body responds, feel free to gradually adjust the frequency and duration of use as needed.
⑤Combining with other treatments: To really maximize elbow pain relief, it might be more effective if you combine TENS therapy with other treatments. For example, try using heat compresses, doing some gentle elbow stretches or relaxation exercises, or even getting massages – they can all work together in harmony!
schematic diagram
Electrode plate paste position: The first one is attached to the External epicondyle of humerus, and the second one is attached to the middle of the radial forearm.
Post time: Aug-24-2023
