Combating Elbow Pain: Understanding and Addressing Tennis and Pickleball Elbow
Pickleball, a sport that merges the best of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has become increasingly popular, especially among those who are enthusiastic about racket sports. However, this popularity comes with a rise in specific injuries, notably lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow or pickleball elbow. The condition affects not just athletes but also individuals engaged in physically demanding tasks that involve repetitive arm and wrist actions.
What is Tennis/Pickleball Elbow?
Tennis elbow or pickleball elbow, medically termed lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually due to repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, athletes aren't the only people who suffer from this condition. Painters, carpenters, and even cooks can develop symptoms due to similar repetitive movements.
The pain of tennis elbow stems from damage to the muscles and tendons that anchor the forearm to the outside of the elbow. It often arises from overusing the forearm muscles that help you grip, twist, and carry objects. Such strain can create tears in the tendon attachment at the elbow.
According to Dr. Alan Bragman, a chiropractor and IPTPA level 2 certified coach, tennis elbow is "caused by small tears or micro evulsions of the muscles and tendons on the lateral or outside of the elbow" and is typically not associated with a specific incident or injury.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The primary symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which might extend into the forearm and wrist. Difficulty in gripping objects and a persistent discomfort while flexing the arm are common. It's crucial to diagnose the condition accurately, often through physical examination and sometimes supplemented by imaging tests if the injury doesn't respond to initial treatment.
The Personal Experience of Seth Bloom
Seth Bloom, the founder of Pickle for Pay and a seasoned player in racket sports like tennis, racquetball, and squash, shares his personal struggle with pickleball elbow. Transitioning through various racket sports throughout his life, Seth recently faced the recurring challenge of elbow pain, this time due to pickleball. His current treatment regimen includes NSAIDs and ice, but with increasing discomfort, he's considering options like physical therapy or acupuncture.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing tennis elbow involves several strategies focusing on reducing the stress to the elbow. Proper grip size and technique are crucial. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles can also help stabilize the wrist and elbow. For players already experiencing pain, treatment options include:
RICE Method: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are first-line treatments to reduce inflammation and pain.
Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can strengthen the forearm muscles.
Elbow Braces: Supports can reduce tendon strain.
Alternative Therapies: Modalities like acupuncture or chiropractic care are considered by some.
Surgical Options: These are considered when conservative treatments fail.
Seth emphasizes the importance of selecting the right paddle and adjusting play techniques to mitigate stress on the muscles and tendons involved.
The Role of Equipment and Technique
Choosing the right equipment is vital in sports like pickleball. Paddles with appropriate grip sizes and weights can significantly affect play style and risk of injury. Lighter paddles may reduce stress on the elbow but require good technique to manage the speed and force of play effectively.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the casual weekend game or competitive play, understanding the mechanics of your body and how it interacts with the sport's equipment is key to staying healthy and pain-free. For players like Seth and countless others, managing tennis elbow involves a combination of good practice habits, proper equipment, and sometimes medical intervention.
Tennis and pickleball elbow can be persistent and painful, but with the right approach, it is manageable. Players should consider all available options to prevent or treat this condition, ensuring their time spent on the court is both enjoyable and injury-free.