Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The most common cause of elbow pain is lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow.
Tennis elbow affects approximately 1-3% of the general population and around 15-30% of the workforce. Most people recover naturally, with around 80% of affected individuals recovering within one year.
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. Although 40-50% of tennis players may experience this condition, it is actually more common among amateur golfers than golfer’s elbow.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse and strain of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.
Repeated movements involving gripping, lifting, or wrist extension can create small tears and inflammation in these tendons, leading to pain and reduced function.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow usually develops due to repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive wrist and arm movements
- Playing racquet sports such as tennis
- Manual work involving lifting or gripping
- Repeated use of tools
- Poor technique during sports activities
- Overuse of the forearm muscles
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow.
Other symptoms may include:
- Pain when gripping objects
- Weakness in the wrist or forearm
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Tenderness around the outer elbow
- Discomfort during activities involving wrist movement
Who Is At Risk?
Although tennis elbow can affect anyone, certain activities increase the risk, including:
- Tennis and racquet sports
- Golf
- Construction work
- Plumbing
- Painting
- Computer-related repetitive movements
- Jobs requiring frequent hand and wrist use
Recovery and Treatment
Many cases of tennis elbow improve with time and appropriate management. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving strength, and restoring normal movement.
Treatment options may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physiotherapy exercises
- Strengthening and stretching programs
- Pain management strategies
- Support braces when recommended
- Gradual return to activities
Preventing Tennis Elbow
You can reduce the risk of developing tennis elbow by:
- Using correct techniques during sports
- Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks
- Strengthening forearm muscles
- Maintaining proper posture and movement patterns
- Avoiding sudden increases in activity levels
Early assessment and appropriate treatment can help prevent the condition from becoming long-term and support a faster recovery.