Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow: What It Is and Why It Happens

Introduction

Tennis elbow is a widespread but frequently misperceived condition that occurs in millions of individuals across the globe—not only athletes. Though it became well-known due to its association with the sport of tennis, the truth is that tennis elbow—officially referred to as lateral epicondylitis—can occur in anybody who engages in repetitive motions involving the forearm. From clerks to construction workers, this uncomfortable condition doesn't discriminate.

This article will cover all you need to know about tennis elbow: what it is, why it occurs, who it impacts, how it can be avoided, and what your treatment and recovery options are. If you're suffering from tennis elbow today or just want a better understanding of it, this informative guide will take you through the science, symptoms, and solutions.

1. What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is one type of tendinopathy—damage to a tendon. More specifically, it is inflammation or degeneration of tendons that are attached to the lateral epicondyle (the bony prominence on the lateral aspect of the elbow). These tendons interconnect the forearm muscles, which extend the wrist (bring the wrist up towards the top).

When these tendons become overused or repeatedly strained, micro-tears may occur, leading to pain, tenderness, and loss of function.

Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow

You can easily mix up tennis elbow with golfer's elbow, but the biggest difference is in location:

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Occurs on the outside of the elbow.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Occurs on the inside of the elbow.

2. The Anatomy of Tennis Elbow

To truly comprehend why tennis elbow occurs, it is helpful to have a general knowledge of the anatomy of the elbow:

Lateral Epicondyle: Bony bump on the back (lateral side) of the elbow where extensor tendons insert.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB): Main muscle-tendon unit of tennis elbow. It maintains fixation of the wrist when the hand moves.

Forearm Extensors: Muscle group that extends (straightens) the wrist and fingers.

When these tissues are overworked—by repetitive motion or gripping activities—the tendons get worn out and inflamed. Microtears develop, resulting in inflammation, degeneration, and long-term pain.

image credit: FREEPIK

3. Common Causes and Risk Factors

As the name suggests, you don't have to be a tennis player to get tennis elbow. Some everyday activities can cause or aggravate the condition.

Repetitive Movements

Repetitive forearm motion or gripping activities can result in overuse injuries. Some common causes are:

-Painting

-Carpentry

-Typing and computer mouse use

-Driving screws or hand tooling

-Cutting and chopping food

-Playing musical instruments

-Poor Technique

In sports or manual work, poor technique will subject the forearm tendons to excessive stress, speeding up wear and tear.

Age

Tennis elbow is most prevalent in adults between 30 and 50, but it can occur in individuals outside of this age range too.

Occupation

Occupations requiring repetitive arm motion or heavy lifting, like plumbers, mechanics, cooks, and factory workers, are most susceptible.

4. Signs and Symptoms

Early identification of the symptoms of tennis elbow is important to avoid making it a chronic condition.

Major Symptoms Are:

-Pain and tenderness on the lateral aspect of the elbow

-Pain that increases with gripping or lifting

-Arm or wrist weakness

-Stiffness, particularly in the morning

-Pain running down the forearm

With time, the pain tends to become more persistent and can affect activities of daily living like holding a cup, shaking hands, or opening a jar.

5. Diagnosis

Clinical Examination

Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider with a physical examination, questioning you about your symptoms, activity level, and what triggers the pain. He or she may press on the lateral epicondyle to test for tenderness and have you move your wrist or fingers against resistance.

Imaging Tests

Although not always required, imaging can be employed to eliminate other conditions:

X-rays: To eliminate arthritis or fracture

MRI: To determine tendon injury or eliminate soft tissue issues

Ultrasound: To examine tendon anatomy in real time

6. Why It Happens: The Science Behind Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is due to repetitive microtrauma to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon. The minor injuries occur over time, and the tendon degenerates. Surprisingly, studies indicate inflammation may not be the biggest problem—tennis elbow is usually more degenerative than inflammatory. Consequently, treatments aimed at quelling inflammation (such as anti-inflammatory medication) may temporarily help but are not a solution.

Influencing Biomechanical Factors:

-Weak wrist or shoulder muscles leading to overcompensation

-Inadequate ergonomics in work or home

-Repetitive gripping or twisting movements

-Forearm muscle tightness

It is essential to understand these underlying mechanics in order to effectively treat and prevent the condition in the long term.

7. Treatment Options

Conservative treatment usually works well for tennis elbow. Surgery is a last resort and only undertaken when other treatments fail.

Rest and Activity Modification

-Eliminate or decrease aggravating activities.

-Break often during repetitive activity.

Ice Therapy

Ice packs applied for 15–20 minutes repeatedly during the day alleviate pain and inflammation.

Bracing or Straps

Wearing a forearm strap or elbow brace can decrease tension on the involved tendon by diverting stress away from the lateral epicondyle.

Physical Therapy

One of the most beneficial long-term treatments.

Typical PT techniques:

-Stretching the muscles of the forearm

-Eccentric strengthening exercises

-Soft tissue massage

-Ultrasound or dry needling

Medications

-NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) may alleviate inflammation and pain.

-Topical anti-inflammatories may be used for fewer systemic side effects.

Corticosteroid Injections

Can offer short-term relief, but studies suggest they may impair long-term tendon healing if overused.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Emerging treatment where the patient’s own platelets are injected into the affected tendon to stimulate healing.

8. At-Home Remedies and Self-Care

You can do a lot on your own to manage or even prevent tennis elbow:

1. Gentle Forearm Stretches

Extend your arm straight out in front of you, palm down, and push back on your fingers with the opposite hand to stretch the extensors.

2. Strength Exercises

Do eccentric exercises with light dumbbells or resistance bands. For instance, lower your wrist slowly from an extended position to neutral.

3. Ergonomic Adjustments

Adjust your workspace or equipment to decrease wrist and elbow stress.

4. Proper Warm-Ups

Warm up the forearm muscles prior to sports or work activities using light stretches and mobility exercises.

9. Tips for Prevention

-Apply proper techniques when playing sports and performing work.

-Do not overload your elbow or wrist with jerky increases in activity.

-Regularly strengthen and stretch forearms and shoulder muscles.

-Be aware of early warning signs of soreness or fatigue.

10. When to Consult a Doctor

Get medical care if:

-The pain continues after 6–12 weeks even with rest

-You have increasing weakness

-There’s swelling or bruising not related to trauma

-Pain disrupts your sleep or daily life

Persistent symptoms may require imaging or further intervention.

11. Long-Term Outlook

With proper care, most people recover from tennis elbow within 6 to 12 months. However, recurrence is possible, especially if contributing factors aren’t addressed. Patience is key—rushing back into activity too soon can lead to chronic problems.

Conclusion: Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow can sound like a trivial issue, but for the person who has it, it can be excruciating and debilitating. Knowing what it is and why you're experiencing it is the initial step in getting back to normal. By catching it early, taking proactive steps to treat it, and altering your way of life, you can regain complete strength and avoid future outbreaks.

Whether you're a sports player, an office worker, or you just pick up a lot around the house, education and prevention are your strongest allies. Don't let tennis elbow keep you from enjoying the activities you love—tackle it head-on with proper methods.