How Long Does Tennis Elbow Last?
Tennis elbow, medically referred to as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury characterised by pain on the outer part of the elbow caused by overuse of the forearm muscles responsible for gripping, twisting, and lifting. It is a frustrating condition that can limit your ability to perform daily tasks or even participate in your favourite sports or hobbies. But the question is, how long does tennis elbow last? Is it a short-lived injury, or is it a chronic condition that can haunt you for years?
The truth is, there is no easy answer to this question, as every case of tennis elbow is different. I will explore the different factors that can influence the duration of tennis elbow and provide some tips on how to speed up the recovery process.
If you have a tennis elbow, you should avoid tennis for at least a month.
The Severity Of The Injury
The severity of your tennis elbow injury plays a significant role in determining how long it will last. Mild cases of tennis elbow can heal within a few weeks, while more severe cases can take several months to a year to fully recover. If you have a mild case, rest is the best course of action. Take a break from any activities that cause pain, and carry out some light stretching exercises. If the pain persists, you may want to consider seeing a doctor for further treatment.
Age And General Health
Age and overall health can have a significant impact on the duration of tennis elbow healing time. While younger people tend to recover faster than older adults, older adults may require more time to heal and could experience more complications, such as reduced mobility and chronic pain. People with underlying health conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system or immune system may also experience longer recovery times.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow and promote healing. These include rest, ice, compression, physical therapy, braces or splints, corticosteroid injections, and surgery (in rare cases). The type and duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity and duration of the injury. Generally, conservative treatment options are recommended before resorting to more invasive procedures.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatment, making some lifestyle changes can help speed up the recovery process and prevent re-injury. Some tips to prevent tennis elbow include practising proper form and technique when performing repetitive movements, using the right equipment, warming up before exercises, using ice and compression after activity, and taking adequate rest breaks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can also promote healing and improve overall health and well-being.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. Taking steps to prevent tennis elbow can save you from the pain and inconvenience of this injury. Some tips to prevent tennis elbow include doing strength-training exercises to build forearm muscles, using a tennis racket with the appropriate weight, warming up before exercise, taking adequate rest breaks, and knowing your limits. If you are already experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, seek medical attention right away to prevent the condition from worsening and causing more damage.
Patience Is Key
Patience is key when it comes to the recovery process of tennis elbow. It takes time for the affected muscle and tendons to heal fully. Rushing the process can lead to reinjury, which can prolong the recovery time. Listen to your doctor's advice, and take things slow. With time, most cases of tennis elbow will heal on their own.
Tennis elbow is a common injury that can cause significant discomfort, for example, when sleeping, and limit your ability to perform daily tasks or participate in your favourite activities. While several factors determine how long tennis elbow lasts, seeking medical attention early, practising proper self-care, and making lifestyle changes can significantly speed up the healing process and prevent re-injury. If you suspect you have tennis elbow, don't wait for the pain to go away on its own. Consult with a medical professional and get on a treatment plan to get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.