Prithviraj Sukumaran wears tennis elbow brace, says can't remove it even at night

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran recently revealed that he is dealing with tennis elbow, a condition that causes painful swelling at the elbow due to repetitive strain on the arm. The actor made the revelation during a recent press conference in Delhi held as part of the promotions for his upcoming film, Daayra, where media persons noticed him sporting a black brace on his left arm.

When questioned about the brace, Prithviraj was quick to clear the air. "I have been experiencing a bit of discomfort due to a mild case of tennis elbow for some time now. My doctor advised me to wear this brace for a few days to aid recovery. When I first put it on, I actually thought it looked quite stylish. I initially planned to take it off before coming to the press meet, but my doctor has given strict instructions not to remove it under any circumstances, not even while sleeping. I am keeping it on constantly so that the joint can heal properly," the actor explained.

Understanding tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful condition triggered by the overuse of muscles and tendons in the forearm. Medically, it is known as lateral epicondylitis, but it got its common name as it's a regular injury among tennis players. Regardless, the condition is not exclusive to tennis players. It can affect anyone who engages in activities involving repetitive wrist and arm movements, which place excessive strain on the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow, leading to inflammation or micro-tears, says the Cleveland Clinic.

Common symptoms to watch out for
a) A sharp, persistent pain on the outer part of the elbow, which can be tender to the touch.
b) Difficulty to perform simple, everyday tasks like gripping a cup of tea or lifting lightweight objects.
c) A radiating pain from the elbow down to the wrist.
d) Stiffness when fully extending the arm.
e) A tingling sensation in the elbow or wrist.

What causes tennis elbow?
A repetitive strain is the most common cause for tennis elbow. However, a sudden blow, fall, or direct impact on the elbow joint can also damage the muscle fibres and trigger the condition.

Why not remove the brace even while sleeping?
Generally, doctors ask to remove tennis elbow braces at night while sleeping. However, they can ask not to remove it, if a patient has complications or unconscious habits like sudden arm bending, fist-clenching, or joint pain. According to the North Carolina Specialty Hospital, a reputed centre for orthopedic and surgical speciality care, sleeping with braces can benefit those suffering from severe joint pain. The brace will reduce the discomfort, keep the arm in a neutral position and reduce strain on it. However, in such cases, a person is often advised to pick a brace that is specifically designed for this condition.