WHAT IS TENNIS ELBOW DISEASE? PREVENTION AND TREATMENT METHODS

Tennis elbow is an ergonomic disease known as lateral epicondylitis in medicine and seen in the elbows of people who do repetitive and challenging work on the wrist. Although it is caused by strain on the wrist, it is surprising for many people that the symptoms are seen in the elbow. However, the starting point of the muscles that pull the wrist back is the area on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow disease occurs because of small tears and deterioration in the muscle-bone tissue in this region due to repetitive or compelling movements.

Who gets tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow got this name because it is often seen in people who play tennis. However, it can be seen not only in tennis players, but also in people from a wide range of people.

It can be seen frequently between the ages of 30 and 50. However, it can also be seen in younger people.

People who make repetitive and compulsive wrist movements due to work conditions or living habits are at risk of experiencing tennis elbow. In addition, sudden traumas for various reasons also cause this disease.

In other words, hand workers, painters, office workers, people who must use their wrists constantly, and people who cut are more likely to have tennis elbow disease.

Tennis elbow symptoms

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain. This pain felt on the protruding bone in the area called “lateral epicondyle” on the outside of the elbow also creates tactile sensitivity in the elbow. Pain may also increase with movements such as gripping and stretching, where the tendon is loaded. The pain starts at the elbow with the movement of the wrist and can spread from the forearm to the hand. In some cases, there may be pain without any movement.

Although the degree and stage of the discomfort seen in tennis elbow vary from person to person, even simple movements such as not being able to lift anything, turning a screwdriver, washing dishes, and wiping windows become impossible.

What is meant by compensation for elbow injuries? Can compensation for elbow injuries be claimed in Australia?

According to Safe Work Australia, elbow injuries compose 10% of upper limb injuries. Such injuries may make it difficult for you to do daily tasks, but regardless of where the accident happened, you may be entitled to compensation benefits. You can find out what needs to be done about the issue from personal injury lawyers in Sydney.

What can you claim?

• Medical Expenses – e.g., medical treatments, physiotherapy, surgery, nursing, medication, and any other reasonable and necessary medical expenses

• Wages – based on your income before the injury and capacity to work

• Domestic assistance – if your whole person impairment meets the 15% personal impairment threshold

• Lump sum payment – ​​if your whole person meets the 11%; the threshold is greater than 0% for exempt workers

• Common law – if your injuries are assessed greater than 14% and your employer was negligent

Elbow injuries could also occur due to motor vehicle accidents such as car, truck, forklift and even as a pedestrian. You can contact motor vehicle accident lawyers for detailed information about this.

Ways to prevent tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is usually seen in jobs where the wrist is strained and too many of the same movements are made. Therefore, avoiding such work or doing it with appropriate methods prevents the formation of tennis elbow.

The disease can be prevented by giving importance to hand ergonomics in the working environment. It is also very effective to rest the hand and wrist in intense repetitive work. Depending on the work to be done, at least 5 minutes of rest should be provided per hour.

Instead of working with the computer for long hours without interruption, take a break, rest the hands, and use stretching and relaxation exercises.

While working on the computer, the wrist should be supported with mouse pads.

Tennis elbow treatment

There are many different methods of treatment for tennis elbow. In the treatment of the disease, which is still in its infancy, success can be achieved by eliminating or limiting the factors that cause the disease. In other words, the treatment can be successful by not doing the tasks that force the wrist or repetitively.

In addition, methods such as drug therapy, elbow band, physical therapy, steroid injection, PRP treatment and surgical treatment are applied.

The treatment of tennis elbow can vary from a few days to a year depending on the progression of the disease.

Tennis elbow physical therapy exercises

Tennis elbow exercises are an important step in the treatment of the disease and prevent the prevention and recurrence of tennis elbow disease. Stretching and strengthening exercises that will not cause pain to form the basis of the physical therapy program.