Tennis Elbow?! - But I don't even play tennis!

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain on the outer part of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to your elbow become inflamed or damaged due to repetitive motions. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm movements, not just tennis players. This condition is medically known as lateral epicondylitis, where "lateral" refers to the outer part of the elbow and "epicondylitis" refers to inflammation of the tendon.

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Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Pain on the outer part of the elbow that may extend to the forearm and wrist.
• Weakness: Difficulty in gripping objects or performing tasks that require wrist extension.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

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Causes of Tennis Elbow

The primary cause of tennis elbow is repetitive motion that puts stress on the elbow tendons. This can happen in various activities, not just tennis. Common causes include:

• Sports: Playing tennis, squash, badminton, or other racket sports can lead to tennis elbow, especially if the technique is incorrect.
• Occupational Activities: Jobs that involve repetitive arm movements, such as painting, plumbing, typing, or using tools like screwdrivers, can cause this condition.
• Hobbies: Activities like knitting, gardening, or playing musical instruments can also contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

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Treatment options for Tennis Elbow

Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated with non-surgical methods. Here are some common treatments:

• ‍Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation.‍
• Rest: Taking a break from activities that aggravate the condition is crucial. This allows the tendons to heal and reduces inflammation.‍
• Activity Modification: Changing the way you perform certain tasks or using ergonomic tools can prevent further strain on the elbow.‍
• Elbow Brace: Wearing a brace or forearm strap can help reduce strain on the elbow tendons by resting the muscles and tendons.‍
• Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation in the affected area.‍
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP injections use components of your blood to promote healing and reduce pain.
• Surgery: this is rarely needed for tennis elbow. However, if symptoms persist despite other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.

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Exercises and Tennis Elbow

Exercise plays a vital role in both the treatment and prevention of tennis elbow. Strengthening and stretching exercises for the forearm and wrist can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of future injuries. Here are some exercises that can be beneficial:

• Wrist Flexor Stretch: Extend your arm in front of you, palm up, and gently pull back on your fingers with your other hand until you feel a stretch in your forearm.
• Wrist Extensor Stretch: Extend your arm in front of you, palm down, and gently pull back on your hand with your other hand.
• Forearm Strengthening: Use a light dumbbell to perform wrist curls and reverse wrist curls to strengthen the forearm muscles.

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Take home message

Tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and limit daily activities. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage the condition effectively. With proper care, including rest, medication, and exercise, most people can recover from tennis elbow and prevent future occurrences. If you experience persistent pain or symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.