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Tennis Elbow Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, tennis elbow is not limited to athletes and can affect anyone who engages in activities that require repetitive use of the forearm muscles. The condition is typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. This can lead to small tears in the tendon that cause pain and inflammation.

Rest and over-the-counter pain relievers often help relieve tennis elbow. However, if conservative treatments don't help or if symptoms are disabling, your doctor might suggest surgery.

Symptoms:  The symptoms of tennis elbow can vary in severity and may include:

  • Pain on the outside of the elbow that may extend down the forearm.
  • Weakness in the forearm and difficulty gripping or lifting objects, particularly with the affected arm.
  • Pain that worsens with certain activities, such as gripping, lifting, or twisting objects.
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in the elbow.
  • Tenderness to the touch on the outside of the elbow.

Causes

  • Repetitive movements: Engaging in activities that require repetitive use of the forearm muscles, such as playing tennis or other racquet sports, can lead to tennis elbow over time.
  • Improper technique: Using incorrect form or technique during physical activity, such as tennis or weightlifting, can place excess strain on the elbow and lead to injury.
  • Occupational factors: Certain occupations, such as manual labor or jobs that require repetitive arm and hand movements, can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
  • Age: As we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury, which can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
  • Injury: Direct trauma or injury to the elbow can also lead to the development of tennis elbow.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can tennis elbow be prevented?

There are several things you can do to help prevent tennis elbow, including using proper technique when playing sports or doing other repetitive activities that involve the forearm and wrist, warming up before exercising, and taking frequent breaks to rest your muscles and tendons.

How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?

The length of time it takes to recover from tennis elbow can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the effectiveness of your treatment. In most cases, however, you can expect to see improvement within a few weeks to a few months with conservative treatment. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a damaged tendon.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have tennis elbow?

The prognosis for people with tennis elbow is generally good, as the condition typically responds well to conservative treatment such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. Most people with tennis elbow experience a significant improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks to a few months of starting treatment. However, it is important to note that the outlook for tennis elbow can be influenced by several factors, such as the severity of the injury, how long the condition has been present, and the person's overall health and fitness level. If left untreated or if the underlying cause of the condition is not addressed, tennis elbow can potentially lead to chronic pain and disability.