Repetitive use injuries cause tens of thousands of people to require orthopedic care each year. One of the most common types of repetitive use injuries involves the elbow joint. So-called “tennis elbow” can be painful and often bothers people for years before they get proper help. Taking measures to prevent tennis elbow allows you to continue engaging in the activities you love without having to limit your everyday functioning. (more…)
Repetitive use injuries cause tens of thousands of people to require orthopedic care each year. One of the most common types of repetitive use injuries involves the elbow joint. So-called “tennis elbow” can be painful and often bothers people for years before they get proper help. Taking measures to prevent tennis elbow allows you to continue engaging in the activities you love without having to limit your everyday functioning.
Anatomy of the Elbow Joint
The elbow joint involves three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), radius (forearm bone that connects to the thumb) and ulna (forearm bone that forms its outer edge, connecting to the pinkie finger). The elbow includes a variety of muscles, tendons and ligaments that keep the joint stable and allow it to perform its hinging action.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Orthopedic specialists call tennis elbow by the scientific name “lateral epicondylitis.” This is because it involves the lateral epicondyle, the bump that is present on the outside of the elbow. When the tendon connecting the muscles of the forearm to the bone becomes stretched, it leads to lateral epicondylitis. Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow. This typically comes on gradually and increases over time.
- Pain when squeezing objects, such as shaking hands with someone else.
- More severe pain when opening a jar, using tools or lifting objects.
- Worse pain on the dominant side.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow and How to Prevent It
As the name suggests, playing tennis is a common cause of tennis elbow. However, anyone can develop this orthopedic problem. Overuse of the forearm causes stabilizing muscles to become weaker, causing the tendon to form tiny tears. Thus, any activity that heavily engages the forearms, such as tennis, bowling, gardening, golfing, vacuuming, carpentry or assembly line work can lead to tennis elbow. In fact, an estimated 1 to 3 percent of American adults will develop tennis elbow at some point in their lives.
If you routinely perform activities that engage the forearms, it is possible to take preventative measures to avoid developing tennis elbow. Stretching arm muscles before working out can prevent this problem. Additionally, work on gradually building muscle in the upper arms, shoulders and upper back to take pressure off of your forearms. Finally, switch hands whenever possible to prevent overuse of your dominant side.
If you do develop tennis elbow, act right away by contacting Southeast Orthopedic Specialists to get an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
Six Tips for Beginner Runners
Running is one of the most egalitarian sports there is. Anyone with a pair of shoes can get outside and go for a run, making it a very accessible form of physical activity. Despite this, beginning runners often make mistakes that lead to costly and painful injuries. Follow these tips as you begin your running career to avoid injury and get fit. (more…)
Can You Do Anything to Help Prevent ACL Tears?
More than 200,000 people experience a torn ACL each year, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Not only are ACL tears painful, but they also must be repaired properly to prevent future problems. Learning how to prevent ACL tears can help you stay active and avoid costly injury. (more…)
Orthotics: Helpful or Useless?
Orthotic inserts represented a $400 million industry in the United States in 2014. Some athletes purchase specialized orthotics for specific sports activities while other people wear orthotics in their shoes on a daily basis. The purpose of orthotics is to correct your bone and joint alignment, preventing injury. However, recent research has led to controversy about whether orthotics actually work. (more…)
Treatments for Hip Arthritis
Millions of Americans, many of whom are older adults, develop arthritis at some point in their life. In fact, hip arthritis affects 1 in 4 people over age 85, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not only is hip arthritis painful, but it also affects your ability to perform everyday activities. Many patients automatically think that they need a hip replacement when they develop osteoarthritis. Although hip surgery is an appropriate and safe treatment for many people, there are other treatment options that should be explored before you make a treatment decision. (more…)
5 Ways Fitness Trackers Can Help You Reach Your Goals
The tech wearables industry is booming, with the global market expected to exceed $19 billion by 2018. Fitness trackers have gained enormous popularity among large swathes of the population for their ease of use and ability to track numerous activities. (more…)
5 Common Reasons Why Your Shoulder Is in Pain
The shoulder has a very versatile range of motion. Although this makes it an effective and well-used joint, it also means that many things can go wrong within the shoulder joint. If you are experiencing shoulder pain for more than a few consecutive days, visit an orthopedic surgeon for assessment and diagnosis. Jacksonville orthopedics experts report that these are the top five common reasons that your shoulder is in pain: (more…)
Why Physical Therapy Is so Important After Surgery
Millions of people are referred to physical therapy each year for the treatment of a range of orthopedic issues. Physical therapists are experts in improving range of motion, everyday functioning and overall quality of life. However, many patients are unsure what physical therapy can do for them or why it is important to attend physical therapy sessions. (more…)
How Beneficial Are Fitness Trackers?
Exercise technology is a booming business, with wearable fitness technology estimated to grow to a $19 billion industry by 2018. Many exercise enthusiasts swear by their fitness trackers while others are simply overwhelmed by the dozens of options. Using a fitness tracker can help you remain informed about your physical activity level and stay motivated following an orthopedic injury. Ask your Southeast Orthopedic Specialists about the possible benefits of fitness trackers for your health. (more…)
Best Type of Running Shoe for Your Feet
Running leads to significant cardiovascular benefits, reducing your risk of chronic disease and even increasing your overall lifespan. One of the best aspects of running is that nearly anyone can do it. All that is needed is a good pair of running shoes. Choosing the right running shoes can make the difference between a pastime that is fun and healthy and one that is painful or even dangerous. Investing in appropriate running shoes now may prevent a visit to an orthopedic surgeon later on. (more…)
