What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow become painful and irritated. These tendons help extend the wrist and fingers, which is important for activities like gripping and lifting. When these tendons are overused, they can become inflamed, causing pain that can make everyday tasks harder to do.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

The main cause of tennis elbow is overuse and repetitive movements of the forearm muscles and tendons. Although it's often linked to tennis players, anyone who repeats wrist and arm movements, such as:

  • painters
  • carpenters
  • people who use a computer mouse a lot

can develop this condition. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is often associated with degeneration of the tendons on the outer knuckle of the elbow, leading to microtears, inflammation, and pain.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The main symptoms of tennis elbow are:

  • Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow.
  • Worsening pain during gripping or lifting objects.
  • Pain that may spread down to the forearm.
  • Weakened grip and difficulty fully extending the wrist.

Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment

Whenever a patient suspects tennis elbow, it’s important to see a doctor. They will check the elbow by examining how it moves and where it hurts. Sometimes, they may suggest:

  • X-rays
  • MRIs

to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other problems. Treatment usually starts with simple steps like:

  • Resting the arm
  • Applying ice
  • Using a bandage for compression
  • Elevating your arm (RICE method)

Physical therapy can also help strengthen forearm muscles and increase flexibility. In some cases, the patient may need to wear a brace to support the tendons while they heal.

Preventing Tennis Elbow

While it's not always possible to prevent tennis elbow, certain measures can reduce the risk, including:

  • Using proper technique when performing activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm movements.
  • Taking breaks and avoiding overuse of the forearm muscles.
  • Incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into the routine.
  • Warming up properly before exercise and cooling down afterward.

Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing tennis elbow effectively. If you experience persistent elbow pain, don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

References

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow).
  • Mayo Clinic. Tennis Elbow.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Elbow Pain.