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Winning The Set Against Tennis Elbow
By Shem Ouma
One of the most common injuries among tennis players is tennis elbow. Usually this very painful condition has seen many people give up on the game. The problem affects players of all ages and the severity often differs from one person to the next. If you want to continue enjoying this great game, there are things that you can do to prevent or treat this condition.
1. Understanding the condition
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the humerus bone. It occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed, irritated or damaged causing pain in the elbow. While the condition is common among tennis players, it also affects people who lift heavy weights using the elbow.
Some symptoms of the condition include elbow pain that extends to the forearm and tenderness on the outer elbow. Any movement of the elbow causes pain and while the pain might subside overnight, it usually comes back any time stress is applied to the elbow.
2. Preventing tennis elbow
One of the best ways to prevent the condition is by learning the best techniques. Having a good backhand and enhancing your strokes will help to prevent injuries. Having poor form during the game will cause you to go off balance or to hit the ball late, which causes more strain on the arm instead of on the torso.
By overworking the tendons near the elbow, you risk causing injury. Unfortunately, not everyone can be an overnight expert and it takes training and practice to play well. It also helps to strengthen the muscles, which will allow the tendon to withstand more strain.
3. Treating the condition
If you suffer from tennis elbow, there are some things that you can do to relieve the symptoms. Using the right equipment can go a long way in preventing tennis elbow. The racquet you use will have a huge effect on how you play. The idea is to reduce the vibrations that reach the elbow and for this, you need a racquet that has softer strings.
Large, lighter tennis racquets can also help to reduce this vibration. Modern technology is used in designing equipment that can prevent tennis elbow. If you begin to feel the effects of strain on your elbow, changing your racquet can help.
4. Medical attention
If the pain in your elbow persists, it is a good idea to get medical attention. Anti-inflammatory medication can help to reduce pain and the doctor can also recommend intra-articular steroids. Physiotherapy and splints can also help to deal with the condition and you should avoid straining the arm during the treatment process. The condition is treatable and you can soon go back to enjoying the game you love.
Training with a good instructor is the best way to ensure that you enjoy the game and avoid injuries. The instructor will offer relevant advice about the best equipment and techniques, so that you can enhance your skills. The specially designed racquets might be more expensive than the regular equipment, but the investment is worth it if you want to avoid injury and become a better player.
To improve your tennis forehand and enjoy the game, visit www.tenniscoaching.com/public/The-Tennis-Forehand.cfm
Article Source: Winning The Set Against Tennis Elbow