Tennis Elbow

What is a Tennis Elbow?

A tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an injury that can result from overuse of the muscles and tendons of the elbow, which causes pain for the tendons connecting the wrist and fingers and the lateral epicondyle, a bony protrusion on the elbow.

Despite its name, the condition can be felt by anyone who is engaged in repeated upper arm movements related to recreation, work or everyday activities. However, tennis elbow often has no clear cause.

Repeated extending and flexing of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon with impact force, like in hitting a tennis ball, can give rise to microscopic tears where the tendon meets the lateral epicondyle. The tears can give rise to pain, tenderness, and stiffness when bending or straightening the elbow. 

What are the symptoms of a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow can result in pain from the outside of the elbow to the forearm or wrist. If you suffer from Tennis Elbow, you may experience:

• Pain from bending the wrist
• Tenderness or pain in the elbow
• Weakness in the hand and wrist
• Difficult picking up or gripping heavy objects 
• Difficulty turning your wrist

What are the risk factors of Tennis Elbow?

Some factors that may increase your risk of Tennis Elbow include:

• Age: Although Tennis Elbow affect people of all ages, it is more common among adults aged 30 to 60.
• Work: If you work in a job with repeated wrist or elbow movement, such as being a plumber, carpenter, butcher or cook, you're at a higher risk of Tennis Elbow. 
• Participating in certain sports: Playing racket sports increases your risk of Tennis Elbow.

How is Tennis Elbow diagnosed?

A doctor’s physical examination and a check on possible factors related to occupation or sports. An X-ray or MRI may be involved to rule out other possible factors.