What is Tennis Elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is swelling of the tendons that bend your wrist backward away from your palm.
A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. The tendon most likely involved in tennis elbow is called the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed in both men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 yearsWhat Are The Causes of Tennis Elbows?
What are the causes of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, as the name implies, is often caused by the force of the tennis racket hitting balls in the backhand position. Your forearm muscles, which attach to the outside of your elbow, may become sore from excessive strain. When making a backhand stroke in tennis, the tendons that roll over the end of our elbow can become damaged. Tennis elbow may be caused by:
- Improper backhand stroke
- Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
- Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short
- Other racquet sports, like racquetball or squash
- Hitting the ball off center on the racket, or hitting heavy, wet balls
However, many people who suffer from tennis elbow do not play tennis. The problem can be caused by any repetitive movement. Other causes of tennis elbow include:
- Painting with a brush or roller
- Operating a chain saw
- Frequent use of other hand tools on a regular basis
- Using repeated hand motions in various professions, such as meat cutters, musicians, dentists, and carpenters
The pain of tennis elbow can travel from the outside of the elbow into the forearm and wrist. Pain and weakness can make it hard to:
- Shake hands or grip an object.
- Turn a doorknob.
- Hold a coffee cup.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The following are the most common symptoms of tennis elbow. However, you may experience symptoms differently.
At first, you may have pain, burning, or an ache along the outside of your forearm and elbow. With time, the pain gets worse. If you continue the activity that caused your condition, the pain may spread down to your wrist, even at rest. Pain may also persist when you place your arm and hand palm-down on a table, and then try to raise your hand against resistance. You may also feel pain when you try to lift and grip small objects, such as a coffee cup. A weak grip is another symptom of tennis elbow.
What Are The Risk Factors of Tennis Elbows?
The problem can be caused by any repetitive movement. Other causes of tennis elbow include:
- Painting with a brush or roller
- Operating a chain saw
- Frequent use of other hand tools on a regular basis
- Using repeated hand motions in various professions, such as meat cutters, musicians, dentists, and carpenters
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Specific simple, non-invasive testing done by the doctor can quickly determine the diagnosis.
What Are Possible Treatments For Tennis Elbows?
Specific methods of myofascial massage to the extensor muscles and tendons of the forearm commonly can relieve and heal this condition.
Are There Preventative Steps or Measures To Avoid Tennis Elbows?
A home program is prescribed by the doctor consisting of specific stretching to be done by the patient. Avoiding the repetitive stress that brought on the condition is critical.
What Are The Risks If Tennis Elbows Are Left Untreated?
Untreated tennis elbow can become chronic. Early treatment intervention is key. Specific home stretching is critical. If left untreated, and the condition worsens, surgery may be required when it could haave been avoided.
Are There Other Related Conditions To Tennis Elbows?
While Tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow, pain on the inside of the elbow is termed Golfers elbow. The onset arises for similar reason but with different stressful activities.
Key Takeaways About Tennis Elbows (Top 3-5 points to remember from everything)
Our office commonly treats both tennis and golfers elbow with great success. 3-5 treatments usually resolves this condition in 1-2 weeks.
Recommended Next Steps
Call our office for an examination.
