Overview

Tennis elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is a strain resulting from irrational stress placed at the origin of the common extensor tendon, which results in tendinosis. Clinically, the diagnosis is made by tenderness observed over the lateral epicondyle that worsens with resisted wrist extension. This condition most commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect people of any age and both men and women.

Causes

• Repeated Abuse: Tennis elbow can be caused by engaging in repetitive activities that involve the forearm muscles, such as gripping, twisting, or lifting for an extended period.

• Overuse wear and tear: Excessive usage of the forearm muscles without sufficient recovery time and rest can result in tendons wear and tear, resulting in tennis elbow. 

• Activities like Painting, plumbing, and playing musical instruments are examples that involve repetitive motions.

Symptoms

The tennis elbow is characterised by pain radiating from the outside of the upper part of the forearm (below the region where the elbow bends). In some cases, pain extends down the arm to the hand and wrist. Other signs and symptoms include:

• symptomsBurning sensation along the length of the arm or on the outer edge of the elbow 

• Weakness in the elbows and forearms 

• Pain when performing forearm-related activities (e.g. holding a cup of water, opening a door, extending the forearm)

Ayurvedic View

Asthi vaha sroto dushti -  it's a condition where there is mainly involvement of kandara (tendon) along with prakupita (aggravated) vata dosha in the elbow area- sandhi pradesha (joint forming structures), which results in adika shoola (severe pain), weakness, aankunchana prasarana kashta chesta (pain) and restrictions with movements. This is tennis elbow, when there is pain in the lateral or outer side of the elbow. Ayurveda's approach is to reduce the symptoms and promote quicker healing by bringing dosha back to prakruta awastha (balance state), thereby increasing the range of movement of the affected joint, nourishing the dhatus (strengthening tissue) by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment.