Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis in Homemakers
Recent studies indicate that homemakers are particularly susceptible to developing **lateral epicondylitis**, commonly known as tennis elbow. This condition often manifests during activities such as lifting heavy objects, scrubbing clothes, wringing towels, pouring tea, sweeping, and even while sleeping. If you experience sharp pain in your elbow during these tasks, it's crucial to address the symptoms promptly.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Assistance
Individuals with mild symptoms may find that the condition improves with attention and care over a few days to months. However, if symptoms persist or worsen — including recurring pain, weakness, or even a loss of grip strength that causes objects to fall — seeking medical advice is essential.
Daily Precautions to Prevent Lateral Epicondylitis
To prevent the onset or worsening of lateral epicondylitis, consider the following tips:
1. Use Proper Techniques
When mopping floors, keep your legs slightly bent. Engage your legs and back to move your shoulders and arms instead of relying solely on your arm strength.
2. Reduce Workload
If you start to notice symptoms, cut back on your activities to prevent further deterioration of your condition.
3. Choose the Right Equipment
While playing racquet sports like tennis or badminton, opt for a lightweight and high-quality racket to lessen the burden on your arms.
4. Smart Shopping Practices
When grocery shopping, use a cart instead of carrying heavy bags. Pay attention to your wrist position while lifting, pouring, or wringing clothes to avoid overstressing the joint.
Managing Acute and Chronic Phases
Acute Phase Management
During acute flare-ups, follow these guidelines:
- Apply small ice cubes in a plastic bag to the painful area and then wrap it with an elastic bandage for about 20 minutes. This can be repeated several times, while keeping the affected area elevated.
- Take breaks from all activities to allow the elbow rest and engage in localized immobilization.
Chronic Phase Management
In the chronic phase, in addition to rest and protective measures, therapeutic modalities such as:
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These treatments can be combined with corticosteroid injections, utilizing a mixture of prednisone and 2% lidocaine for targeted pain relief.
Important Considerations for Injection Therapy
When undergoing injection therapy, it's vital to:
- Avoid injecting directly into the tendon or subcutaneously to prevent localized necrosis of the tendon or skin.
- Limit injection sessions to 2-3 times, with intervals of 7-14 days between each session. If there is no improvement, consult a healthcare professional for alternative treatments.
Taking these preventive and management steps can help mitigate the effects of lateral epicondylitis and enhance your overall quality of life.