Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Arm injuries like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome are very common injuries that can make the everyday task seem impossible. Chiropractors at District Wellness have the knowledge and experience to relieve pain caused by these symptoms. Call today at (571) 568-8496 to book your appointment.

Arms are one of the most used and essential parts of the body. We use them for everyday tasks such as writing, cooking, and cleaning. We also use them for more strenuous activities such as lifting weights and playing sports. Because they are so important to us, it’s no wonder that arm injuries are one of the most common types of injuries.

A few of the most common arm injuries are tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Let’s learn more about their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition in which the tendons in your elbow joint are damaged from overuse. These tendons attach the muscles of your lower arm to the bone and help you extend and lift your wrist and fingers.

Tennis elbow is a type of repetitive strain injury. It occurs when the forearm muscles and tendons in your elbow are used too much, usually from a specific activity such as tennis, golf, baseball, gardening, painting, etc. The overuse damages the tendons and causes them to become inflamed.

Tennis Elbow: Symptoms and Treatment

The most common symptom of the tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow. The pain may also extend into the forearm and wrist. Other symptoms include:

• Tenderness to touch
• Weakness in the arm
• Difficulty extending the arm fully
• Arm pain when gripping objects

Rest, ice, and physical therapy are advised to reduce pain and treat tennis elbow. Surgery is rarely needed.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons of your elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a condition that is similar to the tennis elbow, but it occurs on the inside of the elbow instead of the outside.

A golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive motions of the arm, such as those often used in golf. The condition is caused by the overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Golfer’s elbow is typically seen in golfers, but it can also occur in other athletes who use repetitive arm motions.

Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms and Treatment

The most common symptom of golfer’s elbow is pain on the inside of the elbow. The pain may also extend into the forearm and wrist. Other symptoms include:

• Tenderness to touch
• Weakness in the arm
• Difficulty flexing the arm fully
• Pain when gripping objects

Golfer’s elbow is treated with a variety of methods, including rest, ice, and physical therapy. Over the counter pain killers and steroid injections can also be given in case of severe pain or swelling. Surgery is sometimes necessary to correct the problem.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist or hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. The median nerve controls sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (except for the little finger), as well as the movement of some muscles in the hand.

This is why people suffering from CTS usually feel tingling in thumb or ring fingers.

CTS is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist or hand that put pressure on the median nerve. These activities might include:

• Typing
• Texting
• Knitting
• Playing

CTS is seen more often in women than men, and is more common in people over the age of 40. Other risk factors for CTS include Obesity, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Arthritis, Thyroid disease, and Trauma to the wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of CTS include:

• Pain in the wrist, palm, and fingers (especially the thumb and index finger)
• Numbness or tingling in the affected hand
• Weakness in the hand

CTS is diagnosed with a physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging MRI, and nerve conduction studies. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome often starts with conservative measures, such as splinting the wrist or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. If these measures don’t relieve the symptoms, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

If all other treatment options fail for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, then your doctor may advise the carpal tunnel release. The procedure involves a surgeon making an incision in the palm of your hand over the carpal tunnel ligament and cutting through the ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The surgery may be completed with one large cut or a number of small ones.

Carpal tunnel release is generally safe. Complications from the procedure are rare but can include infection, nerve damage, and continued numbness or tingling in the hand.

Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to relieve pain and improve function in the affected area. Commonly used techniques include spinal manipulation, massage, and stretching. Chiropractic care is often combined with other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy.