What to Know About Tennis Elbow

If you have pain above the forearm, you might be suffering from tennis elbow. Find out how to identify and treat the condition.

Inflammation on the outside of the elbow can leave you with discomfort and a lack of mobility. The issue is referred to as tennis elbow, but you don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to suffer from the injury.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a typical condition where the tendons on the outside of your elbow become inflamed. The injury is common with athletes, particularly those who play racquet sports like pickleball and tennis, hence the name ‘tennis elbow.’

The injury is not overly serious but can cause pain, tenderness, and discomfort when moving.

Symptoms and causes of tennis elbow

A tennis elbow injury is usually caused by overusing or overextending the tendons in the arm, particularly those on the outside of the joint. Though the injury is common with athletes, it can occur in anyone who uses their arm in a repetitive motion.

Below are some of the key symptoms you may suffer from if you have this condition.

Symptoms of tennis elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow joint and even the wrist. It may hurt to move or bend your arm or even be painful to touch.
• Weak grip strength. You might find it difficult to hold things firmly.
• Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially after resting for long periods, like at night.

Causes of tennis elbow

Though the injury is common among athletes, it isn’t restricted to those who play racquet sports.

• Repetitive motion of the joint can cause the tendons to become inflamed. Those working in manufacturing, construction, or similar industries may be more prone to injury.
• Poor technique. Improper form and preparation when playing racquet sports or lifting weights can add extra strain to the joints.
• Muscle imbalances in the arm, like a weak forearm, can add unnecessary pressure to the tendons.
• Age. The injury is more common in people aged 30 - 50.
• Accidental. The injury can arise as the result of an unrelated accident, like a fall.

How to treat tennis elbow?

This kind of injury may be painful, but it can be treated easily with a few simple adjustments to your daily life. More serious cases may require tennis elbow therapy with the help of an experienced practitioner.

Some of the ways you can treat the condition include:

• Rest. As with many injuries, rest is an important part of recovery. If you aren’t able to rest your injury, perhaps due to your profession, then take things slow and try to work in breaks where you can.
• Ice therapy. Apply ice to the inflamed tendons for 15 - 20 minutes a day. An ice pack can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, can help to reduce swelling at the injury site.
• Wearing a brace or splint can help support your elbow and take some of the strain off the joint.
• Tennis elbow therapy may be required in persistent or severe cases. Contact a professional sports therapist or orthopedic surgeon if you’ve been suffering for a long time.

Start healing: Exercises for tennis elbow

You can reduce the risk of injuring your elbow tendons by performing a few basic exercises.

Wrist flexor stretch

• Extend your arm out in front of you with your wrist facing upwards.
• Gently pull your fingers back towards your body until you feel the stretch in your wrist.
• Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 3 - 5 times.

Forearm stretch

• Hold a low weight (2 lbs) in your hand, palm down.
• Slowly lower the weight downwards by extending your wrist in a downward motion.
• Return the weight to your starting position. You can use your other hand if you need support.
• Repeat 3 - 5 times.

Strengthening exercises

You can also strengthen your forearm with simple muscle-building exercises like squeezing a tennis ball or using a resistance band. Repeat these exercises several times and for several sets.

Be slow and gentle with these exercises. Consult your doctor or a sports therapist if you need further assistance or advice.

Game, set, relief — heal from tennis elbow with All Sports

Don’t let tennis elbow keep you out of the game. At All Sports Physical Therapy, our therapists have deep expertise in helping patients recover from a variety of orthopedic conditions, including tennis elbow. Schedule a consultation with us today to start feeling like you again.