This article was published on: 10/1/21 8:59 AM
The tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that joins the muscles of the forearm to the outside
of the elbow. It mostly occurs due to overusing the forearm muscles and tendons and those around
the elbow joint. It is also known as lateral elbow or lateral epicondylitis and is not necessarily related
to tennis. However, tennis players often develop this condition as it stems from repetitive muscle use.
The most common symptom of the tennis elbow is recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm.
The pain may also be felt further down the arm, towards the wrist. It is most likely to occur when the
individual lifts or bends the arm. It is also felt while performing basic actions such as writing or
gripping small objects. Tennis elbow can cause severe pain when twisting the forearm. This may be
noticeable when turning a door handle or extending the forearm fully.
The cause of tennis elbow usually stems from repeating incorrect movements of the arm. This can
lead to small tears in the tendon attachment at the elbow. In the game of tennis, this translates to
the repeated motion and force of hitting a ball with a racquet. An incorrect technique can cause the
power in the swing of a racquet to rotate through and around the wrist. This creates a movement on
the wrist instead of the elbow joint or shoulder and causes inflammation and irritation.
There are several treatment methods that can be used at home or after consulting a physician.
Resting the arm is most important. A break in activity allows the tears in the tendon to heal. Tennis
players treat more serious cases with ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, exercises, and ultrasound
therapy. Physical therapists commonly advise that racquet sports players must strengthen their
shoulder, upper arm, and abdominal muscles. This can help in reducing the wrist extensors during
shoulder and arm movements. Other conservative treatments include injections of botulinum toxin,
also known as Botox, and extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).
The elbow is a complicated part of the body that allows people to lift, grip and twist the arm. People
may experience various forms of pain in this area when lifting and should try to prevent pain and
injury by doing stretching and mobility exercises. Although there are immediate remedies to try out
at home, a person should consult a doctor if the pain persists.
