Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is irritation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Classically the condition arises in tennis players due to the force from the back swing. Tennis elbow is also called lateral epicondylitis.

Symptoms of tennis elbow

• Pain: On the outside of the elbow which radiates down the forearm
• Difficulty extending wrist: Pain or weakness when trying to bend the wrist back
• Ache: In the forearm muscles.

What causes tennis elbow?

Weakness or fatigue in the muscle that pulls the wrist back, makes the attached tendons more susceptible to injury. When the muscle cannot contract quickly enough or strongly enough, the forces are taken by the tendons. As a consequence irritation and swelling develop where the tendon connects to the elbow .

What can I do about it?

• Rest: Avoid doing what makes it hurt (typically wrist rather than elbow activity). Complete rest will give your body a chance to start healing.
• Gentle stretching and massage: Reducing muscle tension will improve flexibility and resolve the achy sensation. Less muscle tension means less force on the aggravated tendons.
• Balancing of muscle strength: Strengthening weak muscles and loosening tight muscles is crucial to achieving full recovery.

Other similar problems

• Muscle tension: Hypertension affects the muscle but also the tendons, joints and sometimes even the nerves. Regular stretches are very effective at keeping tension down.
• Arthritis: The wear and tear of joints can lead to pain. Arthritic joints are typically stiff and painful but there are certain stretches which can help.
• Tendon tearing: Usually only occurs following a traumatic injury. This severe condition may require surgery depending on the extent of the damage.

 

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