OUCH!!--IS IT TENNIS ELBOW? {2002}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

This is an interesting question. There are many conditions commonly called tennis elbow, but only one medically known by that name. Lateral Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons. When this occurs on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow the common term is tennis elbow. Those who have this condition on the inner (medial) side of the elbow are experiencing "golfer's elbow". Other injuries that are often termed tennis elbow include bursitis; an inflammation of the tiny fluid-filled sac which acts to reduce friction between tissues. Olecranon bursitis (inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow) is another problem generally misnamed "Tennis Elbow". Arthritis could be misnamed tennis elbow considering the symptomatic similarities. Fractures might also be confused with the term, which is why your doctor or orthopedic physician should be consulted, especially if the condition is more than just an annoyance.

Treatment for most elbow related problems is very similar and can be as simple as rest and ice, or as serious as surgery. The bad news is that the condition doesn't go away overnight. It can take months to get over, depending on the severity, and may never go away if you continue the activity that caused it.

There are a multitude of devices on the market known as tennis elbow braces. These can help with some of the problems in the tennis elbow category, but none is designed to cure those conditions.

Once you are healthy and ready to take to the courts again, you may want to look at several equipment changes that can help. Grip: make sure you aren't playing with too small a grip; this can cause excess pressure on the tissues due to your having to hold the racquet too tightly. You should play with the largest grip you can comfortably hold. Tension: reduce the string tension; I would recommend at least 5 pounds. String type: try a softer, multifilament string or, even better, natural gut, to help cushion the shock to your arm. Weight: play with as heavy a frame as you can maneuver to absorb some of the shock from ball impact. Balls: don't play with dead balls. If you have had a problem with your arm, play with fresh balls every time you go out on the court. Balls are relatively cheap so don't create a potential health hazard to save a couple of dollars. Racquet: some frames are designed with shock absorbing features that may help, but seek the advice of a racquet specialist to help you sift through all the advertising and marketing hype.

Finally, spend a few hours with a certified teaching pro to make sure you are using proper strokes. I feel comfortable going out on a limb and saying that I believe at least 75% of all tennis arm problems are due to improper contact point and poor follow-through.

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT, Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo, FL

COPYRIGHT 2002 (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - Aug, 2002