Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common tendon inflammations not solely caused by sports. These symptoms can lead to tenderness in the elbow, arm weakness, and even severe pain when lifting light objects like a cup, significantly impacting daily life.
Office workers frequently use their hands throughout the day—from getting ready in the morning, carrying bags, to using a mouse and keyboard at work, even pouring tea during lunch. These seemingly ordinary actions, if repeated over many years, combined with aging and a slowing metabolism, greatly increase the risk of strain. Similarly, homemakers are not exempt from this type of strain. Hanging clothes, wringing towels, retrieving food, especially carrying heavy shopping bags, may involve only a short walk but often impose loads on the arms that exceed our imagination. These daily activities accumulate strain unnoticed; being inactive does not alleviate symptoms and may actually worsen tendonitis due to muscle tightness.
Patients often feel tender points at the bony ends of the elbow and experience weakness in the arm during daily activities. This pain not only affects work efficiency but also hinders quality of life. If mild pain is not addressed promptly, it may worsen over time.
Treatment for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow often requires anti-inflammatory medication, ice application, and manual therapy from a professional physical therapist to reposition the tendons and promote joint movement in the elbow and wrist. Ultrasound therapy can also help speed up the recovery of damaged cells. Importantly, during the initial improvement phase, it is essential to avoid strenuous arm movements, and using elbow braces or other supportive tools can help alleviate pain.
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are not limited to athletes; any activity that involves prolonged repetitive use of the arms can trigger these symptoms. Therefore, strengthening muscles and performing stretching exercises are very important. Simple stretching exercises for just 3 minutes a day can effectively maintain wrist and arm health. Here are a few simple movements:
Before undertaking any treatment, it's best to consult a doctor to avoid self-diagnosis. Practice stretching exercises daily, but be careful not to overexert. If pain persists, consider seeking professional physical therapy or medication support.
The occurrence of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow is closely related to our daily lives. Whether you are an office worker or a homemaker, it's essential to be aware of these potential strain risks. Through early prevention and effective treatment, we can reduce the impact of these symptoms on our lives and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Let’s prioritize arm health and enhance our quality of life!
