Many people are confused when they go to the doctor for elbow pain and are told they have “tennis elbow”: what? What is “tennis elbow”? I never play tennis, so why would I get it? In fact, tennis elbow is just a common term, the professional name is humeral epicondylitis, because it was first discovered and diagnosed in tennis players, so it is commonly known as tennis elbow. It is very common in clinical practice and is one of the most common conditions seen in orthopedic clinics. Tennis elbow is caused by chronic strain or repetitive strain on the extensor digitorum generalis and radial extensor carpi radialis longus at the epicondylar attachment of the humerus, resulting in microscopic tears and chronic inflammatory adhesions at the tendon attachment. There are microscopic vascular nerve bundles deep within the extensor digitorum profundus tendon, which can also cause clinical symptoms if they are compressed here. The most common cause of tennis elbow is tendon injury caused by repetitive forceful pulling of the forearm extensor muscle, which is likely to occur between the ages of 35 and 50. It is also closely related to occupation, especially in workers who frequently rotate the forearm and extend and flex the elbow and wrist joints: housewives, repairmen, athletes, long-term computer users, etc. Also, the lack of resistance of the skeletal muscular system is prone to tennis elbow. Clinical manifestations of tennis elbow The pain is limited at the lateral epicondyle of the elbow joint and radiates to the forearm, especially during internal rotation (anterior rotation). Patients often complain that they cannot grip things with force, such as wringing towels, etc. The pain may be aggravated by movement, and occasionally the pain may be so severe that the object is lost, and in severe cases, the pain can be caused by extending the fingers, wrists or chopsticks. In severe cases, the pain can be caused when extending the fingers, wrist or chopsticks. The pain is aggravated by resting and then moving or when it is cold, and in a few cases, the pain is aggravated when it is rainy. Clinical examination may reveal pressure points at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus; pain may be induced when flexing the wrist and extending the elbow in the forearm rotation forward position. Radiographs are usually unremarkable. Treatment of tennis elbow Most cases of tennis elbow heal on their own with home care measures, such as resting and icing the painful area. However, if your injury is severe or your pain does not improve within a few days, you may need to see your doctor. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy, as specific stretches and exercises can help you heal and prevent repeat injuries. I. Home remedies 1. Rest: Try to avoid movements that cause pain; movements that involve throwing, catching or hitting with a racket; repetitive movements such as hammering; lifting heavy objects; supporting your weight with your arms, such as doing push-ups. 2. Ice the outside of your elbow: 3 to 4 times a day for 15 minutes. When wrapping the ice in a towel, do not let the ice touch your skin directly to avoid frostbite; 3. You can take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen): If over-the-counter painkillers do not help, go to the hospital. You may have a more serious injury, such as a torn ligament. 4. Use a brace: so that the elbow joint can be braked to reduce further damage. 2. Seek medical help The doctor will take different treatments depending on your condition. Such as shockwave therapy to reduce pain and promote movement, plasma injections of PRP platelets to accelerate healing. It is also combined with physical therapy to restore motion to the injured area to help patients recover faster from both the symptoms and the root cause. Surgery is rarely needed for tennis elbow, but if the symptoms are still severe and affect life and work after six months to one year of regular conservative treatment, surgery can be performed for advanced or persistent tennis elbow. ”Tennis elbow is not scary, what is scary is not to pay attention to it and let it develop, the situation will become more and more serious. Only early detection and professional diagnosis in hospital can avoid missing the best time for treatment.