Elbow tendonitis is caused by overworking the tendons in the elbow, often experienced by athletes or those with manual jobs. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, and treatment involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Prevention includes warming up and conditioning tendons gradually.
Elbow tendonitis is irritation, swelling, and inflammation of the tendons in the elbow. The elbow itself is meant to allow people to extend and then contract their arms. As we age, the elasticity of the elbow tendons can deteriorate and become brittle. This elbow injury is typically experienced by people who play squash, golf, or tennis, but it can occur in anyone who repeatedly overworks the tendons in their elbow.
There are several ways elbow tendonitis can occur. A sudden increase in the amount of activity, exercise, or arm movement is a significant cause. People who work in factories are usually prone to elbow problems because of this. Various injuries, such as a fall, can also cause elbow tendonitis. Athletes who repeatedly use their arms for sports or strength training are generally encouraged to condition their tendons gradually to avoid elbow problems.
If elbow tendonitis symptoms are recognized and treated soon after they begin, there is usually a better chance that the tendons will heal quickly. Symptoms may include pain behind the elbow joint after exercising, feeling pain whenever the arm is extended, or a burning sensation after exercising the arm. You might also feel stiffness as you try to bend your arm against resistance.
Effective treatment of elbow tendonitis usually involves relieving pain and reducing inflammation in the tendons. In some mild cases, resting the tendons can allow them to heal on their own. Specifically, this treatment is often called RICE, which means Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Non-impact aerobic conditioning and light stretching can be gradually implemented if the tendons start to improve. If discomfort is felt afterwards, however, a longer period of rest is usually suggested.
There are several methods to help prevent elbow tendonitis. Warming up before doing any form of exercise or athletic activity can help the elasticity of the tendons. This can, in turn, reduce the chances of inflammation or injury. People who have a manual job, or those who work in a factory, are generally advised to do stretching exercises before starting work every day.
Knowing the limits of your body is very important when trying to prevent elbow tendonitis. Elbow tendonitis is usually less prevalent in those who have, over time, conditioned their tendons to be flexible. If a person tries to push his body beyond what he is capable of doing, he will be more susceptible to injury.
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