网球肘

想象一下，一个紧绳被反复涂擦在一块岩石上，不断抢购来回。加时赛中，纤维磨损，并最终失败。这种机制是类似于大多数肌腱退变过程，包括了网球肘。

网球肘develops when the tight band of tendons of the forearm muscle repeatedly rubs over the bony prominence at the elbow (lateral epicondyle) during bending and straightening of the elbow. This leads to micro tearing of the tendon, and subsequently inflammation and pain.

Why does tendon degeneration happen?

In order to perform simple daily activities such as carrying a handbag or opening a jar of peanut butter, our forearm muscles need to work. Similarly, any task that requires force to be generated through the elbow to the hand would demand a certain amount of force to be generated from the forearm muscles.

因此，那些由于工作或运动通过肘部需要抓握再加上运动，像网球，会在发展这种情况的风险。然而，出乎人们意料的，网球肘不仅影响网球运动员也是运动员如运动员和那里有类似的物理需求举重。

For others who are more sedentary, it can be as simple as a weekend of spring-cleaning, where you are repeatedly carrying boxes and moving furniture back and forth, when pain in the elbow hits you. Simply, any excessive exertion that the forearm muscles are not used to, can put one at risk of developing this condition regardless the duration of exertion.

What are the signs and symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

All degenerative overuse tendon conditions go through similar phases. It typically begins with inflammation from the initial irritation of the tendon and overtime progresses to degenerative changes occurring and the eventual failure of the tendon, depending on how well it is managed in the early stages.

网球肘的伴随症状和体征可分为两个阶段来描述。

Early stage

• Dull ache in the elbow at rest or with minimal movement
• Night pain or resting pain – a distinctive characteristic of an inflammation taking place
• Sharp pain with exertion of their arm such as carrying a hand bag or hitting a ball with a racquet

Progressive phase

• Worsening pain around the elbow with no position of relief
• Sharp pain with simple low-load day to day tasks such as turning the doorknob or shaking hands
• Weakness in the arm (holding chopsticks may seem impossible and uncomfortable)

How can physiotherapists help?

The early phase of Tennis Elbow is often referred to as the inflammatory phase. Pain is managed primarily with rest and medication. Movements involving repetitive movements around the elbow should be avoided to allow inflammation to settle down. Electro-modalities such as ultrasound and regularly icing can also be used to speed up the healing process. Athletes who are heavily involved in sports requiring use of their elbow and wrist such as tennis players or cricketers will have to rest completely for a couple of weeks.

在这个阶段，还需要在前臂肌肉紧释放到帮助卸载对肌腱的张力，减少了周围的骨突出的绷紧度。盘带技术可以方便各地肘部刺激进一步减少。

As the condition gradually progresses, exercises to strengthen the tendon should be done to prevent recurrence of this condition. A physiotherapist would be able to ascertain when it is appropriate for you to start on these exercises without potential flare-ups of the inflammatory response. The ultimate goal is to have pain-free movements, and for return to sport and occupation as quickly as possible.