The condition of tennis elbow, which affects many people, is caused by repetitive activities involving the forearm, wrist, or hand. As a result, everyday tasks can become difficult, as well as painful, stiff, and weak as a result. We will explain what tennis elbow is in this blog post, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated, and how it can be prevented in this post.
As a result of tendinitis (swelling of the tendons), tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, causes arm and elbow pain. Forearm muscles are attached to the bone on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle) by tendons. An overloaded, inflamed, or degenerated tendon can cause pain and tenderness at the elbow and along the forearm. This pain can also radiate to the wrist and hand.
The name tennis elbow comes from the fact that tennis players often use a lot of force while hitting the ball and twist their wrists. Most people who develop tennis elbow don't play tennis. Anyone who repeatedly or forcefully moves their forearm, wrist, or hand can develop tennis elbow. These activities can include:
Playing other racket sports, such as squash, badminton, or racquetball.
Using tools, such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, or wrenches.
Working in occupations that require frequent or prolonged gripping, such as carpenters, painters, plumbers, chefs, or dentists.
Typing, using a mouse, or playing video games.
Gardening, knitting, or playing musical instruments.
Tennis elbow usually affects the dominant arm, but it can also affect both arms. It is more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can affect anyone at any age.
Overuse and strain of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow can cause tennis elbow. It is possible for these tendons to tear and become inflamed when they are repeatedly stressed. When this happens, the tendons can become degenerated and weak over time, making them more likely to get injured again. As a result, pain, swelling, and reduced blood flow can occur.
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow are:
Poor technique or equipment: Using improper form or equipment when playing sports or doing other activities can put more stress on the tendons. For example, using a racket that is too heavy, too tight, or has a wrong grip size can cause tennis elbow.
Lack of warm-up or stretching: Not warming up or stretching the muscles and tendons before and after an activity can make them more stiff and vulnerable to injury.
Sudden increase in activity: Increasing the intensity, frequency, or duration of an activity without giving enough time for the tendons to adapt can cause them to become overloaded and injured.
Age: As people get older, their tendons tend to lose elasticity and strength, making them more susceptible to damage.
The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow and along the forearm. The pain can range from mild to severe, and it can worsen when doing certain movements, such as:
Extending or straightening the arm.
Bending or twisting the wrist.
Gripping or lifting objects.
Shaking hands or squeezing a ball.
Other symptoms of tennis elbow can include:
Stiffness or reduced range of motion of the elbow or wrist.
Weakness or numbness of the arm, wrist, or hand.
Difficulty performing daily activities, such as opening a jar, holding a cup, or brushing your teeth.
Your health care provider will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and activities. They will also examine your elbow and arm, and may perform some tests to check for pain, swelling, and strength. These tests could include:
Resisted wrist extension: You will be asked to extend your wrist against resistance while keeping your elbow straight. This can cause pain on the outside of the elbow if you have tennis elbow.
Cozen’s test: You will be asked to make a fist, bend your wrist, and rotate your arm while your health care provider presses on your elbow. This can also cause pain on the outside of the elbow if you have tennis elbow.
Mill’s test: You will be asked to straighten your arm and bend your wrist while your health care provider presses on your elbow. This can also cause pain on the outside of the elbow if you have tennis elbow.
A health care provider may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs, to rule out other conditions that can cause elbow pain, such as arthritis, fractures, or nerve compression.
Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated with conservative measures, such as:
You might need to take a break from sports or work for a few weeks or months if your pain is severe. Avoiding or modifying the activities that cause or worsen your pain can help your tendons heal and prevent further damage.
You can reduce pain and swelling by applying an ice pack several times a day. You can wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent frostbite.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, can ease inflammation and pain. As these medications can cause side effects, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, or liver damage, you should not take them for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor. Aside from aspirin, you should also avoid it, as it increases bleeding risk.
If you wear a brace or strap around your forearm, you can help support your tendons and reduce your elbow stress. You can purchase such devices at a pharmacy or a sports store, or ask your doctor for a prescription. If you use them too much, they can weaken your muscles, so you should only wear them when doing activities that cause pain.
You can improve your strength, flexibility, and blood flow by doing exercises and stretching that target your forearm muscles and tendons. If you want to relieve your pain and promote healing, a physical therapist can teach you how to do these exercises and stretches correctly and safely. Other techniques include massage, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
Injections: If your pain does not improve with the above treatments, your health care provider may recommend injecting an anti-inflammatory medication, such as corticosteroid. You may benefit from this treatment for a short time, but it can also weaken your tendons, increase your risk of infection, or change the color of your skin. Therefore, you should not receive more than two or three injections in a year, and only under the guidance of your health care provider.
It may be necessary to undergo surgery if your pain persists for more than six months after you have tried all conservative treatments. In surgery, the damaged tendon is removed and the healthy tendon is reattached to the bone, relieving your pain and restoring your function. There are risks associated with this procedure, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and scarring. You will need to wear a splint or a cast for a few weeks after surgery, and then undergo physical therapy to regain your strength and range of motion.
To prevent tennis elbow, you should:
Warm up and stretch your arm muscles and tendons before and after any activity that involves the forearm, wrist, or hand.
Use proper technique and equipment when playing sports or doing other activities that involve the forearm, wrist, or hand. For example, use a racket that fits your hand size and strength, and avoid hitting the ball with too much force or twist.
Take breaks and change your position frequently when doing activities that involve the forearm, wrist, or hand. For example, switch hands or use a different tool when working, or alternate between typing and using a mouse when using a computer.
Strengthen and condition your arm muscles and tendons regularly. You can do exercises and stretches that target your forearm, wrist, and hand, or use weights, bands, or balls to improve your strength and endurance.
Avoid smoking, as it can impair your blood flow and delay your healing.
