Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with tennis elbow at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Tell the nurse what you do with your hands each day, at work and at home, because repeated gripping and twisting is the usual cause. If you play padel or tennis, bring your racquet, since its size, stiffness and strings can add to the strain.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow. It happens when the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the bony bump there (the lateral epicondyle) wear down or develop tiny tears from overuse. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis. Gripping and twisting the wrist and forearm again and again brings it on: typing and using a mouse, using a screwdriver, sewing, playing an instrument, or racquet sports. It is most common between the ages of about 30 and 55. The pain usually starts mildly and builds over weeks. Most people get better without surgery, though it can sometimes last a year or more. Golfer's elbow is a similar problem on the inner side of the elbow.
Common signs
- Pain on the outside of the elbow, from mild discomfort on movement to constant pain.
- Pain or a weak grip when gripping and twisting, such as with a screwdriver.
- Tenderness or swelling over the outer elbow.
- Difficulty fully straightening the arm.
- Elbow pain that has not eased after two weeks of rest and simple care.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Tennis elbow treatment is on Dr. Subhash's own list of the problems he treats. He asks which tasks bring on the pain and examines the elbow, testing the forearm tendons against resistance. He also thinks about the neck and nerves, because they can cause arm pain too. Most people improve with rest from the activity, painkillers, a forearm strap and exercises. He explains the other options if the pain does not settle.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks about your work, sport and hobbies, any past elbow injury, and any rheumatoid arthritis or nerve problems.
Examination
He finds the tender spot and asks you to straighten your wrist and fingers against resistance with the arm straight.
Tests if needed
An X-ray can rule out arthritis of the elbow. An MRI of the elbow or neck, or a nerve test, is used only when another cause is suspected.
Simple care first
Rest from the painful activity for several weeks, painkillers or an anti-inflammatory gel, a cold or warm pack wrapped in a towel, and a forearm strap.
Exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrist and forearm, often with a physiotherapist. Checking your technique, tools or racquet helps too.
If it lasts
Injections are sometimes used. Steroid injections are kept to a minimum. Surgery is considered only after 6 to 12 months of treatment has not helped.
Getting better
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- Many people improve after resting the arm for a few weeks, though it can sometimes last over a year.
- Most people get better without surgery.
- Physiotherapy is often added if home treatment has not helped after about six weeks.
- Going back to the full activity gradually, with better technique or tools, helps stop it coming back.
Risks to know about
- Repeated steroid injections can weaken the point where the tendon attaches to the bone, so they are used sparingly.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if your elbow still hurts after at least two weeks of rest and self-care. Book sooner if the pain stops you working or sleeping, or your grip is getting weaker. Go to emergency care straight away if you have severe arm pain and cannot move the arm, you heard a snap or the arm changed shape after an injury, the arm tingles or feels numb, or arm pain comes on suddenly with pressure or tightness across the chest.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DirectionsCall +971 58 599 7460WhatsApp
Questions patients ask
I play padel several times a week. Can that cause tennis elbow?
Any racquet sport can strain the forearm tendons, especially with a poor stroke technique or a racquet that does not suit you. Cutting back for a few weeks, checking your technique and equipment, and doing forearm exercises usually help.
Do I have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?
No. Most people with tennis elbow do not play tennis. Any task that means gripping and twisting the wrist again and again, at work or at home, can cause it.
Is golfer's elbow the same thing?
It is a similar overuse problem, but it affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. Golf, throwing, tennis and weightlifting can cause it, and so can everyday work. The first treatment is much the same: rest, painkillers and exercises.
Does a forearm strap help?
It can. A strap or brace worn over the back of the forearm, just below the elbow, rests the muscles and tendons and can ease the pain. Pharmacies sell them.
Book an appointment
His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp.