What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, which causes pain outside the elbow when the tendons become irritated, is more common than you might think. While playing racquet sports can lead to this condition, other activities with repeated arm movements can also cause it. These include typing, painting, and lifting. The medical name for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis.
Who Is at Risk for Tennis Elbow?
You may be more likely to develop tennis elbow if you:
- Do repetitive hand and wrist movements over and over
- Work with your arms all day, like carpentry, plumbing, or cooking
- Play sports where you swing your arm, such as tennis or golf, or pickleball
- Are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, though it can happen at any age
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Signs of tennis elbow usually start slowly and can include:
- Pain on the outside of your elbow that may feel like burning
- The weak grip that makes it hard to hold things
- Pain when you shake hands, lift objects, or turn doorknobs
- More pain when you move your wrist or arm over and over
How to Prevent Tennis Elbow
You can help prevent tennis elbow by building arm strength and lowering strain on your tendons. Here’s what you can do:
- Use Proper Technique: Your swing techniques should minimize stress on the elbow when playing sports or performing manual work.
- Strengthen Forearm Muscles: Exercises targeting wrist extension, grip strength, and stability can help support the elbow joint.
- Take Regular Breaks: Avoid prolonged repetitive movements by incorporating rest periods into activities.
- Use Ergonomic Equipment: Properly fitted sports gear, wrist supports, and ergonomic tools can help reduce strain.
- Warm-Up and Stretch: Active warm up before activities and gentle stretching after activities can improve flexibility and prevent excessive tendon strain.
If you start to feel pain even after trying these steps, treating it early can help you feel better faster.
Self-Care and Recovery Tips
If your tennis elbow pain is mild, these steps may help you heal:
- Rest your arm and avoid movements that cause pain
- Put ice on your elbow for 15-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling
- Wear a brace on your forearm to take pressure off your elbow
- Do gentle arm stretches and massage your forearm to keep it loose
- Start your usual activities slowly when the pain gets better to avoid hurting your elbow again
When to Seek Medical Help
See a doctor if home treatment doesn’t help your tennis elbow after a couple weeks. Your doctor may suggest other treatments like:
- Working with a physical or occupational therapist
- Getting shots to reduce pain
- Having surgery (this is rarely needed)
Call your doctor right away if you:
- Having lasting pain that doesn’t get better with rest
- Find it hard to use your arm for everyday tasks
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers
If your symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care, schedule an appointment with a specialist for a personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow
Can tennis elbow heal without medical treatment?
Yes, mild cases of tennis elbow often improve with rest, stretching, and activity modification. However, if symptoms persist, seeking medical advice may be beneficial.
How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?
Recovery varies depending on severity, but most cases improve within a few months with proper care. Chronic cases may take longer.
What activities should I avoid with tennis elbow?
Avoid repetitive gripping, lifting heavy objects, and any movement that causes sharp pain. Gradually reintroduce activities as symptoms improve.
Are there specific exercises that help tennis elbow?
Yes, wrist extensor stretches, forearm strengthening exercises, and grip training can aid recovery. A physical therapist can guide you through safe movements.
When should I see a doctor for tennis elbow?
If pain lasts over a few weeks, worsens, or limits your ability to perform daily activities, schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic provider.
Let Orlando Orthopaedic Center treat your tennis elbow pain. Proper care and prevention strategies can manage this condition. If symptoms persist, schedule an appointment to explore treatment options that fit your lifestyle.
Next Steps For Tennis Elbow Treatment
If you’re suffering from consistent elbow pain, talk to an orthopaedist to get a diagnosis and explore suitable treatment options. Don’t let a condition like tennis elbow hinder you from living life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment today with our experienced orthopaedic surgeons at Orlando Orthopaedic Center. We can help you start your journey towards a pain-free life.
