As Tennis Elbow Plagues Players, Treatment and Prevention Prevails; Leading Sports Medicine Expert on Smart Advice for a Nagging Injury

New York, NY and Greenwich, CT (PRWeb) January 3, 2007 -- With active indoor tennis programs to extend the season, players are now on court year-round, which can lead to wear and tear of the joints and muscles and a rise in overuse injuries. The most common upper extremity complaint among recreational players is tennis elbow, accounting for 75 percent to 85 percent of elbow injuries, according to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Tennis elbow can affect as many as half of athletes in racquet sports with the majority of sufferers between the ages of 30 and 50, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

"Tennis elbow, technically known as lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendon that attaches to the ulna, one of the three bones that make up the elbow joint," explains Kevin Plancher M.D., a leading NY-area orthopedist and founder of the Orthopedic Foundation for Active Lifestyles (www.ofals.org) -- a non-profit organization dedicated to advancements in research and education for orthopedics and sports medicine. Dr. Plancher notes that even people who don't play tennis can get tennis elbow, particularly those who use their forearm repetitively, such as golfers and even those working on computers or with tools. Dr. Plancher advises that tennis elbow should not be overlooked just because it's so common. If there is regular pain, it is important to see a doctor to start treatment before the situation gets worse.

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain along the outside of the elbow that is intensified by gripping a tennis racquet or a cup of water or lifting a simple object. A doctor can diagnose tennis elbow upon examination. X-rays or MRIs are usually not useful unless symptoms have been long lasting. The most effective treatment for 95 percent of the cases is non-operative, according to Dr. Plancher, and involves Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE). "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections are sometimes prescribed as well," he added. Once a patient is pain free, Dr. Plancher recommends a course of physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the arm muscles prior to resuming activities.

For severe cases where tennis elbow does not respond to the conventional treatments, there is a safe, minimally-invasive arthroscopic surgical procedure to repair the tendon. "We are now able to surgically repair or release the injured tendons using two pinholes, just three millimeters each, which means a much quicker surgical recovery than would be necessary with an open procedure," said Dr. Plancher. The procedure can be performed in one day and it can result in a longer-term solution that helps patients regain range of motion quickly, according to Dr. Plancher.

For the prevention of tennis elbow, Dr. Plancher recommends the following tips for tennis players:

1. A proper warm up. Always warm up prior to playing, especially if the indoor facility is cold.

2. Proper technique. Work with a pro if necessary to ensure proper mechanics and stroke execution. Tennis elbow can result from hitting the ball late or incorrectly.

3. Stretch. Always stretch after playing. Tight muscles are more likely to become injured than flexible ones.

4. Avoid overuse. Consider playing every other day rather than on consecutive days to give the arm a rest. Choose a sport that uses different muscles on the alternate days.

5. Pay attention to pain. Use caution and stop playing. Ice the area. See a doctor and take the necessary steps to recovery.

Bio:
Kevin D. Plancher, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.O.S, is a leading orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert with extensive practice in knee, shoulder, elbow and hand injuries. Dr. Plancher is an Associate Clinical Professor in Orthopaedics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NY. He is on the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Journal of Medicine and Sports and the American Journal of Orthopedics.

A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Plancher received an M.S. in Physiology and an M.D. from their school of medicine (cum laude). He did his residency at Harvard's combined Orthopaedic program and a Fellowship at the Steadman-Hawkins clinic in Vail, Colorado, where he studied shoulder and knee reconstruction. Dr. Plancher continued his relationship with the clinic for the next six years as a consultant. Dr. Plancher has been a team physician for over 15 athletic teams, including high school, college and national championship teams. Dr. Plancher is an attending physician at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City, The Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT, and Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY, and has offices in Manhattan and Greenwich, Connecticut. www.plancherortho.com

Dr. Plancher lectures extensively, domestically and internationally, on issues related to Orthopaedic procedures and injury management. During 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, Dr. Plancher was named among the Top Doctors in the New York Metro area and was the New York State Representative for the Council of Delegates to the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons. For the past six years, Dr. Plancher has received the Order of Merit (Magnum Cum Laude) for distinguished Philanthropy in the Advancement of Orthopaedic Surgery by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. In 2001, he founded "The Orthopaedic Foundation for Active Lifestyles", a non-profit foundation focused on maintaining and enhancing the physical well-being of active individuals through the development and promotion of research and supporting technologies. www.ofals.org.

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