Tennis Elbow: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is tennis elbow? An introduction to lateral epicondylitis

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury to the outside of the elbow. It causes pain, stiffness, and weakness in the arm. Rest, physical therapy, and ergonomic aids can help relieve symptoms.

The condition occurs when there are small tears in the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to the outside of the elbow. The problem often comes on gradually after repeated strain, where the muscle attachment at the elbow is overloaded. A "false tennis elbow" can sometimes occur when the pain actually comes from a neck problem , but the symptoms are similar to classic tennis elbow.

Symptoms of tennis elbow: Common signs and symptoms

Tennis elbow often develops gradually and can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow: This is often the most prominent symptom. The pain can radiate down the forearm and sometimes up the upper arm.
• Weakness in the hand and wrist: You may experience difficulty gripping or lifting objects, especially when your wrist is extended.
• Elbow stiffness: The joint may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after inactivity.
• Increased pain with certain activities: Pain often worsens with activities that involve twisting the forearm or bending the wrist backward.
• Tenderness to the touch: The area around the outside of the elbow may be tender to pressure.

Elbow pain can be particularly noticeable during everyday activities such as lifting a milk carton or using a screwdriver. Many people describe it as painful to reach out and grab things. Long-term problems can lead to continuous pain even at rest, and can affect the ability to perform normal daily activities.

Causes of tennis elbow: Overuse, tennis, and repetitive movements

Several factors can contribute to the development of tennis elbow:

• Overuse: Repetitive movements involving the wrist and forearm are the most common cause.
• Occupation or hobby: People who work with computers, musicians, painters, and others who perform repetitive hand movements are at higher risk.
• Incorrect technique: When playing sports or working, incorrect technique can increase the strain on the tendons.
• Age: The condition is most common among people over 40 years of age.
• Weak muscles: Weakness in the forearm muscles can increase the risk of overuse injuries.

Despite the name, most people with tennis elbow do not suffer from playing tennis. Unilateral movements at work or in everyday life are more common causes. Ruptures in the muscle attachments can occur gradually through repeated strain, or suddenly with a single overexertion. Poor ergonomics when working at a computer can also increase the risk of muscle attachment injuries in the elbow.

Diagnosis, exercises and treatment of tennis elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons of the forearm. The condition causes pain around the outside of the elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, or twisting. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to reduce pain and restore normal function.

Rest and relief

The first step is to reduce the strain on the elbow to avoid exacerbating the inflammation.

Tennis elbow protection provides stability and reminds you to avoid overexerting movements.

Physiotherapy

Purposeful exercises help strengthen muscles and tendons and improve blood circulation.

Tennis elbow pads support the joint during training and rehabilitation, promoting healing.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

If needed, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling.

Regular use of Tennis Elbow Protector can reduce the need for medication through natural support.

Ergonomic adjustments

For people with repetitive movements in work or sports, ergonomic improvements can make a big difference.

Tennis elbow pads complement ergonomic adjustments by relieving pressure on the elbow during everyday activities.

Important to consider

A structured exercise program with tennis elbow exercises is often an important part of treatment. A physiotherapist can create an individualized plan to gradually strengthen the muscles and improve blood circulation in the area. In some cases, pain relief from a pharmacy may be necessary during the acute phase, but in the long term, exercise and rest are the most effective measures.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can experience significant improvement. By combining rest, physical therapy, and the use of supportive devices like the Tennis Elbow Protector from Komforten, many people can effectively manage their symptoms and return to normal activities. It is important to be patient during the healing process and to work proactively to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Things you can do yourself to speed up healing include being mindful of your posture, using ergonomic tools, taking regular breaks from work, performing recommended exercises, and being careful not to overuse your arm during the healing phase. With the right combination of self-care, professional treatment, and supportive devices, most cases of tennis elbow can heal without lasting damage.