Tennis the Menace

Tennis Elbow is a common musculo-tendinous disorder inflicting people who have repetitive occupational or athletic activities including dentists and dental hygienists who frequently use hand tools on a continuous basis. It is caused by overstrain of forearm muscles and tendons. Dental practitioners have often suffered continual pain in forearm owing to the nature of tedious lengthy and repetitive nature of working positions. If untreated or ignored it may develop into a chronic disorder which imposes a risk to health of the dental professional and predisposes them to inefficiency in practice. This article reviews the nature of this tendinopathy, signs and symptoms and suggests the lines of treatment available. Improving the work routine, short breaks, ergonomic work set up, modifying techniques, balanced appointments and adequate rest may help prevent the occurrence.