Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain around the outer part of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop this condition, though repetitive movements of the arm and wrist—such as those used in tennis—can increase the risk. It primarily results from overuse and strain on the tendons that attach to the lateral (outer) side of the elbow.

1. What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury affecting the tendons and muscles of the forearm that attach to the outer part of the elbow. The condition involves damage to the tendons that extend the wrist and fingers. Over time, repetitive motions or stress can cause small tears or inflammation in these tendons, leading to pain and discomfort.

2. Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive motions that put stress on the elbow joint and the tendons in the forearm. Some common activities that may contribute include:

  • Sports: Tennis (hence the name), but also sports like racquetball, squash, and badminton, where repetitive gripping and wrist motions are involved.
  • Work-Related Activities: Jobs that involve repetitive motions, like painting, typing, plumbing, carpentry, or using hand tools, can strain the forearm muscles and tendons.
  • Repetitive Household Tasks: Activities such as gardening, using a screwdriver, or lifting heavy objects repeatedly can cause strain on the elbow.
  • Poor Technique or Equipment Use: Using incorrect techniques during sports or lifting with poor form can increase the strain on the elbow.

3. Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The main symptoms of tennis elbow include:

  • Pain on the Outer Elbow: The pain is typically on the outer side of the elbow, just below the bony bump called the lateral epicondyle. The pain can be sharp or dull and may radiate down the forearm.
  • Pain with Movement: It may hurt to extend the arm, grip objects, or perform activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting a cup.
  • Weak Grip Strength: The pain and discomfort can lead to a weakened grip, making it harder to hold onto objects.
  • Tenderness: The elbow area is often tender to touch, especially the outer side where the tendons attach.
  • Swelling or Warmth: There may be mild swelling or a sensation of warmth around the elbow.

4. Risk Factors for Tennis Elbow

Some people are more likely to develop tennis elbow due to certain risk factors, including:

  • Age: It’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
  • Repetitive Movements: Any job or sport that involves repetitive motions of the forearm, wrist, or hand increases the risk.
  • Improper Technique: Using improper form in sports or work-related tasks can strain the tendons more than necessary.
  • Previous Injury: If you’ve had tennis elbow before, you are at an increased risk of it recurring.
  • Tight Muscles: Having tight or weak muscles in the forearm can contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

5. Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Most cases of tennis elbow improve with conservative treatment. Some common treatment options include:

  • Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain, such as gripping, lifting, or repetitive motions. Giving the elbow time to heal is essential.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the outer elbow for 15–20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles, which can help relieve pressure on the tendons and prevent further injury.
  • Bracing or Splinting: Wearing a forearm brace or elbow strap can help reduce strain on the affected tendons by supporting the elbow and redistributing pressure away from the painful area.
  • Steroid Injections: If the pain is severe and doesn’t respond to other treatments, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: In some cases, doctors may recommend PRP injections, which use the patient’s own blood platelets to promote healing.
  • Shockwave Therapy: High-energy sound waves can stimulate healing in the tendons and reduce pain, though this treatment is less commonly used.

6. Surgery for Tennis Elbow

Surgery is rarely necessary, but it may be considered if other treatments fail after 6–12 months of non-surgical care. Surgical options include:

  • Tendon Repair: Removing damaged tissue and repairing the affected tendons.
  • Tendon Release: In cases where the tendons are severely damaged, a tendon release may be performed to remove the source of the pain.

7. Prevention of Tennis Elbow

To prevent tennis elbow or reduce the risk of recurrence:

  • Proper Technique: Whether you’re playing sports or performing work-related tasks, using proper technique is crucial. This reduces unnecessary stress on the elbow.
  • Strengthening Exercises: Regularly strengthening the forearm and wrist muscles can help prevent overuse injuries.
  • Stretching: Stretch the forearm muscles before and after activities to reduce tightness and strain.
  • Use Appropriate Equipment: Make sure any equipment you use (e.g., tennis rackets, tools) is the right size and weight for you. For example, using a racket with the correct grip size and string tension can help prevent strain.
  • Rest and Recovery: Take breaks to rest your arm and prevent overuse during repetitive tasks.