How does tennis elbow happen

Tennis elbow is a common condition that affects many people who play racquet sports or perform repetitive movements with their arms. It causes pain and inflammation in the elbow joint, especially on the outside of the arm. But how does tennis elbow happen? What are the symptoms and treatments? And how can you prevent it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a type of tendinitis that affects the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the bones of the elbow. The main tendon involved in tennis elbow is called the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). This tendon helps to extend and stabilize the wrist when you grip something or swing a racquet.

When you perform repetitive or forceful activities that strain the ECRB tendon, such as playing tennis, gardening, painting, or typing, you can cause tiny tears in the tendon tissue. These tears can lead to inflammation, pain, and reduced function of the elbow joint.

What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate to the forearm and wrist. The pain may be worse when you try to do things like:

• Shake someone’s hand
• Turn a doorknob
• Hold a cup of coffee
• Lift something heavy
• Twist a screwdriver

Other symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Stiffness or difficulty moving the elbow
• Weakness or numbness in the hand or fingers
• Swelling or tenderness around the elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow may vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long you have had it. Some people may experience mild discomfort that goes away with rest, while others may have chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities.

How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?

To diagnose tennis elbow, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, your symptoms, and your activities that may have caused or worsened your condition. Your doctor will also examine your elbow and perform some tests to check for signs of inflammation, damage, or nerve problems.

Some of the tests that your doctor may use to diagnose tennis elbow include:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will press on different parts of your elbow to see where it hurts and how much it affects your range of motion. Your doctor may also ask you to perform some movements with your arm, such as bending, straightening, or rotating your wrist.
• X-ray: Your doctor may order an X-ray to rule out other causes of elbow pain, such as arthritis, fracture, or infection.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of your soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Your doctor may use an MRI to see if there are any tears or inflammation in your ECRB tendon or other structures around your elbow.
• EMG: Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves. Your doctor may use an EMG to see if there are any nerve problems that may be causing or contributing to your elbow pain.

How is Tennis Elbow Treated?

The treatment of tennis elbow depends on several factors, such as the cause, the severity, and the duration of your condition. The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain, inflammation, and damage; restore function and mobility; and prevent recurrence.

Some of the treatment options for tennis elbow include:

• Rest: The first step in treating tennis elbow is to avoid or modify the activities that trigger or worsen your pain. You may need to take a break from playing racquet sports or other repetitive tasks for a few weeks or months until your symptoms improve. You may also need to wear a brace or splint to support and protect your elbow while it heals.
• Ice: Applying ice packs to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation. You can wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth to prevent frostbite.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe or recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to relieve pain and inflammation. You should follow your doctor’s instructions on how much and how often to take these medications, as they may have side effects such as stomach irritation or bleeding.
• Steroid injections: If your pain is severe or does not respond to other treatments, your doctor may suggest injecting a corticosteroid, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, into your elbow. Steroid injections can provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation and pain, but they may also have side effects such as weakening the tendon, increasing the risk of infection, or causing skin discoloration. You should not receive more than two or three steroid injections in a year, as they may cause more harm than good in the long run.
• Physical therapy: Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can teach you exercises and stretches to strengthen and stretch your forearm muscles and tendons. Physical therapy can help improve your flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow to your elbow. It can also help prevent stiffness and scar tissue formation.
• Surgery: If your symptoms do not improve after six to 12 months of conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or remove the damaged part of your ECRB tendon. Surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. The recovery time and outcome of surgery depend on the type and extent of the surgery, as well as your age, health, and activity level.

How Can You Prevent Tennis Elbow?

The best way to prevent tennis elbow is to avoid or reduce the activities that cause or aggravate your condition. However, if you play racquet sports or other activities that involve repetitive or forceful movements of your arm, you can take some steps to lower your risk of developing tennis elbow, such as:

• Warm up: Before you start playing or working, warm up your muscles and joints by doing some light exercises and stretches for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help prevent injuries and improve your performance.
• Use proper equipment: Choose a racquet that fits your hand size, grip strength, and skill level. A racquet that is too heavy, too light, too large, or too small can put extra stress on your elbow. You should also use a racquet with a lower string tension and a larger head size, as these can reduce the impact and vibration on your arm. Additionally, you should wear comfortable shoes that provide good support and cushioning for your feet and ankles.
• Use proper technique: Learn and practice the correct way of holding, swinging, and hitting the ball with your racquet. Avoid using too much force or twisting your wrist when you hit the ball. You should also avoid hitting the ball when it is too high or too low, as this can strain your elbow. If possible, get some coaching or feedback from a professional or experienced player to improve your technique.
• Take breaks: Do not play or work for too long without taking breaks. You should rest your arm for at least 10 minutes every hour. You should also vary your activities and avoid doing the same motion over and over again. For example, if you play tennis, you can switch between forehand and backhand strokes, or between singles and doubles matches.
• Stay fit: Maintain a healthy weight and a balanced diet that provides enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D for your muscles and bones. You should also do some aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, to improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. Furthermore, you should do some resistance exercises, such as lifting weights or using elastic bands, to strengthen your arm muscles and tendons.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow is a common but treatable condition that affects many people who play racquet sports or perform repetitive movements with their arms. It causes pain and inflammation in the elbow joint, especially on the outside of the arm. The main cause of tennis elbow is overuse or injury of the ECRB tendon that joins the forearm muscles to the bones of the elbow.

The diagnosis of tennis elbow is based on your medical history, physical examination, and some tests such as X-ray, MRI, or EMG. The treatment of tennis elbow depends on the severity and duration of your condition. The main treatment options include rest, ice, medication, steroid injections, physical therapy, and surgery.

The best way to prevent tennis elbow is to avoid or reduce the activities that trigger or worsen your pain. You can also take some preventive measures such as warming up before playing or working; using proper equipment and technique; taking breaks; and staying fit.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand how does tennis elbow happen and what you can do about it. If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading! 😊

FAQ

What are the risk factors for tennis elbow?

Some of the risk factors for tennis elbow include:

• Age: Tennis elbow is more common in people between 30 and 50 years old.
• Occupation: Tennis elbow is more likely to affect people who perform repetitive or forceful movements with their arms, such as carpenters, plumbers, painters, mechanics, chefs, or musicians .
• Sports: Tennis elbow is more prevalent in people who play racquet sports, such as tennis, squash, badminton, or racquetball . However, it can also occur in people who play other sports that involve throwing or swinging motions, such as golf, baseball, cricket, or bowling.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop tennis elbow due to differences in their tendon structure or metabolism.

How long does tennis elbow last?

The duration of tennis elbow varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment methods used. In general, tennis elbow can last from a few weeks to several months or even years. Some factors that can affect the recovery time of tennis elbow include:

• The extent of the damage or inflammation in the ECRB tendon
• The compliance with the treatment plan and the avoidance of aggravating activities
• The presence of any underlying medical conditions or complications
• The individual response to treatment and healing capacity

How can I reduce pain from tennis elbow?

There are several ways to reduce pain from tennis elbow, such as:

• Resting your arm and avoiding activities that trigger or worsen your pain
• Applying ice packs to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day
• Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as directed by your doctor
• Wearing a brace or splint to support and protect your elbow while it heals
• Doing gentle exercises and stretches to improve your blood circulation and flexibility
• Seeking professional help from a doctor or physical therapist if your pain persists or worsens

How can I prevent tennis elbow from recurring?

To prevent tennis elbow from recurring, you should:

• Continue to do the exercises and stretches prescribed by your physical therapist to maintain your strength and flexibility
• Gradually resume your normal activities and sports after your symptoms improve, and avoid overdoing them
• Use proper equipment and technique when playing racquet sports or performing other activities that involve your arm
• Warm up before playing or working, and take breaks every hour
• Stay fit and healthy by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly

What are the complications of tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually not a serious condition, but it can cause some complications if left untreated or poorly managed. Some of the possible complications of tennis elbow include:

• Chronic pain and disability: Tennis elbow can cause persistent pain and reduced function of the elbow joint, which can interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
• Nerve damage: Tennis elbow can compress or irritate the radial nerve that runs along the outside of the arm, which can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers.
• Joint damage: Tennis elbow can lead to degenerative changes in the cartilage and bone of the elbow joint, which can cause arthritis or osteoarthritis.
• Tendon rupture: Tennis elbow can weaken the ECRB tendon over time, which can increase the risk of tearing or rupturing the tendon. This may require surgery to repair or reconstruct the tendon.

What are the alternatives to steroid injections for tennis elbow?

Steroid injections are one of the treatment options for tennis elbow, but they are not suitable for everyone. Some people may have allergies or adverse reactions to steroids, while others may not benefit from them or experience side effects such as skin discoloration, infection, or tendon weakening. If you are looking for alternatives to steroid injections for tennis elbow, you may consider:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP injections use your own blood platelets to stimulate healing and regeneration of the damaged tissue. PRP injections may reduce pain and inflammation, improve function and mobility, and promote faster recovery .
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): ESWT uses high-energy sound waves to create microtrauma in the injured tissue. ESWT may stimulate blood flow, reduce scar tissue formation, and enhance healing .
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: Botox injections use a purified form of a toxin that blocks nerve signals to muscles. Botox injections may relax the spastic muscles that contribute to tennis elbow pain and improve grip strength .

How can I tell the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both types of tendinitis that affect the elbow joint, but they have some differences. The main difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow is the location of the pain and inflammation. Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow. Another difference is the cause and mechanism of injury. Tennis elbow is caused by overuse or injury of the ECRB tendon that helps to extend and stabilize the wrist, while golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse or injury of the flexor-pronator tendon that helps to flex and rotate the wrist.

How can I play tennis without getting tennis elbow?

If you love playing tennis but want to avoid getting tennis elbow, you should follow these tips:

• Choose a racquet that suits your hand size, grip strength, and skill level. A racquet that is too heavy, too light, too large, or too small can put extra stress on your elbow.
• Use a racquet with a lower string tension and a larger head size, as these can reduce the impact and vibration on your arm.
• Learn and practice the correct way of holding, swinging, and hitting the ball with your racquet. Avoid using too much force or twisting your wrist when you hit the ball.
• Avoid hitting the ball when it is too high or too low, as this can strain your elbow.
• Get some coaching or feedback from a professional or experienced player to improve your technique.
• Warm up before playing and cool down after playing. Do some light exercises and stretches for your arm muscles and tendons.
• Take breaks every hour and rest your arm for at least 10 minutes. You can also switch between forehand and backhand strokes, or between singles and doubles matches, to vary your movements.
• Listen to your body and stop playing if you feel any pain or discomfort in your elbow.

What are some exercises for tennis elbow?

Some exercises for tennis elbow are:

• Wrist extension stretch: Hold your affected arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist down until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat three times.
• Wrist flexion stretch: Hold your affected arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist up until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat three times.
• Wrist rotation stretch: Hold your affected arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently rotate your wrist clockwise and counterclockwise until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Do 10 rotations in each direction and repeat three times.
• Towel twist: Hold a towel with both hands in front of you at shoulder level. Twist the towel as if you are wringing out water, using both clockwise and counterclockwise motions. Do 10 twists in each direction and repeat three times.
• Ball squeeze: Hold a soft ball or a stress ball in your affected hand. Squeeze the ball as hard as you can without causing pain. Hold for five seconds and release. Do 10 squeezes and repeat three times.

What are some home remedies for tennis elbow?

Some home remedies for tennis elbow are:

• Ice: Apply ice packs to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Heat: Apply heat packs or a warm towel to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles.
• Massage: Gently massage your forearm muscles and tendons with your fingers or a foam roller to relieve tension and pain.
• Elevation: Elevate your arm above your heart level when resting or sleeping to reduce swelling and pressure on your elbow.
• Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage around your elbow to provide support and stability.
• Herbal remedies: Some herbs that may have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties include turmeric, ginger, garlic, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, or peppermint. You can consume these herbs as teas, capsules, oils, or creams. However, you should consult with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as they may have interactions or side effects with other medications or conditions.