Steemit Learning Challenge-S22W2; Tennis Elbow"

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What's tennis elbow? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post. (Note: don't add special tests or investigations to this question. Write the answer precisely).

Tennis elbow, which also means lateral epicondylitis medically, is one condition commonly found, as the name refers to around the elbow area. We find its occurrence when we experience inflammation and tenderness around this elbow area.

It is commonly caused when we overuse this arm, especially the forearm and elbow joint. Overuse may be from sporty activities or strain from lifting vy objects. Repetitive overuse of the arm is primarily seen as the cause of tennis elbow.

No wonder people who indulge in tennis, badminton, golf, etc, are worse hit. How about those with daily duties like painting, tiling, carpentry, etc, they are likely to be affected by tennis elbow condition.

Aside from the repetitive use of the arm, the wrong use of the arm could also be another cause of tennis elbow. Twisting the elbow in an anticlockwise manner may likely trigger this, so is laying wrongly on the arm that affects the elbow.

We forget that age could play another effect on this where we experience wear and tear of the tendon. As one age, there are tendencies of this affecting the elbow, especially when actively in use.

One thing is certain in all of this, which is, the tenderness of the affected area that comes with pain. We also find difficult or relative pain depending on the range of arm motion while trying to lift or twist objects.

We can classify the emergence of tennis elbow into two categories: the acute stage when we find gradual inflammation and pains, which lasts for just weeks, and the chronic stage, which entails prolonged inflammation and pains. The latter should be given more attention to avoid continued severe pain and discomfort.

How would you diagnose a tennis elbow? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?

I remember in my previous class where I was asked to elaborate more on the special testing... I hope my teacher appreciates this better this time. During diagnosing tennis elbow, we have to first dwell extensively on the medical history of the patient for clearer direction.

What kind of job does the patient indulge in in a daily routine? This may include repetitive tasks where the forearm is constantly used. Also, past traumatic injuries or surgeries are vital to ascertaining the root cause of tennis elbow.

A physical examination of the region to check for tenderness, inflammation, or pains by pressing the outer area should carried out by the physician. Checking for a range of motion while the patient tries to pull forward and backward.

The patient could be asked to grip an object to check the strength of the wrist relative to pain levels. However, we could carry our MRI, Ultrasound, or our usual X-ray, which helps to have deeper access to fractures and nerve damage.

We have Special Testing that brings precision and possible treatment to this condition. We have the Cozen Testing that allows the examiner to check for pains as the patient makes some mild range of motion while making a fist.

We also have the Mills Testing where the patient stretches the elbow and mildly swings its wrist to allow the examiner to check for discomfort within this region.

Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs, or videos while practicing, preferably gifs or videos.

Ball Squeezing:

This was the first exercise that entails I squeeze a ball with the arm while pressing and as well releasing the exerted pressure. This helped me stretch the wrist and forearm muscles.