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Understanding Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment

Updated: Mar 15, 2024

Overuse of the elbow's muscles and tendons can cause tennis elbow, commonly referred to as lateral epicondylitis. Tennis elbow is often associated with repetitive arm and wrist motions.



Most people with tennis elbow don’t play tennis, despite its name. However, some people have repetitive jobs that can cause tennis elbow, such as being a plumber, painter, carpenter or a butcher. In many cases, there’s no known cause of tennis elbow.


Tennis elbow pain occurs mostly where the tough, cord-like tissues of the forearm muscles link to a bony bump on the outside of the elbow. The tissues are commonly known as tendons. Pain can stretch into the forearm and wrist.


Physical therapy, medications and rest usually help ease tennis elbow. If these treatments do not provide relief or if symptoms interfere with daily activities, treatment may include an injection or surgery.


CAUSES OF TENNIS ELBOW


The most common cause of tennis elbow is overuse of the forearm muscles that are attached to the outermost part of the elbow joint. This strain is often caused by hitting balls with the backhand position of the tennis racket. The tendons that travel over the end of the elbow during a backhand stroke can become damaged during the backhand stroke. Some of the causes of tennis elbow include:


  • Weak wrist muscles and shoulder.

  • Incorrect backhand stroke

  • Using an excessively short or tightly strung tennis racquet

  • Striking the ball off center on the racket, or striking heavy, wet balls

  • Other racquet sports, like squash or racquetball


Many people with tennis elbow don’t even play the sport. The elbow can be due to any repetitive motion. Other reasons for tennis elbow include:


  • Working with a chain saw

  • Painting using a brush or roller

  • Using frequent hand movements in different professions, such as musicians, carpenters, meat cutters and dentists

  • Everyday use of other hand tools on a regular basis


SYMPTOMS OF TENNIS ELBOW


The most common signs of tennis elbow are listed below, but you may have other symptoms as well.




You can first experience discomfort, a burning sensation, or an aching on the outside of your elbow and forearm. The discomfort worsens with time. Even while you're at rest, the pain might radiate to your wrist if you carry on with the action that initially triggered your illness. Placing your arm and hand palm-down on a table and then attempting to lift it against resistance may also cause pain. Attempting to raise and hold little things, like a coffee cup, may also cause you discomfort. Yet another sign of tennis elbow is a weak grip.

 

The signs and symptoms of tennis elbow can be similar to other medical conditions or illnesses. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.



TENNIS ELBOW TREATMENT


Avoid any movement that may have caused your injury. Your treatment may include:






Packs of ice (to lessen inflammation)









Rest and discontinuing the activity that can cause the symptoms








Medications that can reduce inflammation (such as naproxen or ibuprofen)










Stretching and strengthening workouts






If these methods don’t work, your doctor may refer you to:






Surgery (if only necessary)








Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that breaks up scar tissue, improves blood flow, and accelerates wound healing.








Steroid injections to help lessen swelling and pain









Wear the elbow support consistently, especially during activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Consistent use can help alleviate pain and promote healing over time.

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