Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and What Helps

The Definition of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, can affect tennis players as well as people who have never before played tennis. The name simply refers to the type of injury that typically ails tennis players. When a person has tennis elbow, there is generally quite a bit of pain and discomfort associated with it because there is inflammation in the elbow, and the tendons may be torn or stressed as well. The area that is affected is generally the tendon that attaches to the bony part of the elbow located on the outer side of the arm.

Another form of epicondylitis is golfer's elbow. Medial epicondylitis is the same injury, but the affected area is on the inside of the elbow instead of the outer area. While golfers are typically the most common people afflicted with golfer’s elbow, it is not uncommon to see people who have never picked up a club suffering from the injury.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is generally caused by repetitive stress to the elbow, but there is more to it than that. From overuse to stress to age, there are many factors that play into the causes of this ailment. If a person is over the age of 35, he or she is more likely to get tennis elbow. If someone plays (or strains the area in other ways) three or more times per week, that person is more likely to be diagnosed with it. Other key factors include lack of flexibility and strength, poor technique, off-center hits, and holding the arm incorrectly during maneuvers. Another factor to keep in mind is that if a person repeatedly uses the arm, the vibrations travel throughout the arm and muscles. The constant friction and work can cause inflammation and sometimes even degeneration.

According to Sue Falsone, former director of performance physical therapy at Athletes’ Performance, a person who continually has tendonitis may eventually be diagnosed with tendonosis. Tendonosis is the stage at which the inflammation has subsided, anti-inflammatory medications are no longer effective, the arm is still painful, and the tendon tissue starts to break down. At this stage, a surgical procedure is sometimes necessary.

Mark Verstegen’s take on Tennis Elbow

Mark Verstegen is the president and founder of Athletes’ Performance. According to Verstegen, most tennis elbow injuries are acquired from overuse without proper recovery. He says that another key factor is “related movement pattern dysfunction,” because the arm strains the same muscles in the same pattern over and over again. According to Verstegen, the best way to correct the issue is with preparation, proper training, and pattern corrections.

Consider the Numbers

• Three is the minimum number of times per week that a person who has been diagnosed with tennis elbow typically plays tennis.
• People who are age 35 and over are more likely and most often affected by tennis elbow.
• By some estimates, up to half of tennis players will experience tennis elbow at some point.

Those at Risk of Getting Tennis Elbow

Contrary to popular belief, tennis elbow does not affect only athletes. While football players, golfers, and racquet sport players are among the most commonly affected, the injury is found in other walks of life as well. Anyone who pulls, reaches, lifts, or pushes on a regular basis can sustain the injury. This injury is not limited to a specific field or type of person.

Tennis Elbow Symptoms

There are several symptoms that a person can have with tennis elbow. In more severe cases, there will be pain felt when lifting even the lightest item, such as a comb. The pain may be felt in the wrist and when your arm is extended. Sometimes there will be pain that travels up and down your forearm, but not every person will have this particular pain. The most common sign is a sharp pain located on the outer elbow, which feels different than a scrape. Sometimes there will also be tenderness to the touch and a loss of strength and grip. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is a good idea to have the injury evaluated and cared for.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

If you have any of the symptoms described here, or if you believe that you have tennis elbow, there are certain measures that may help. Taking a break from tennis, or from whatever is causing the ailment, is the most important step. Resting allows your arm to heal more efficiently. The next step is to ice the injury, several times per day in 20 minute increments. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also help; always use them as directed and check with your pharmacist or doctor first. Use a brace or bandage to apply pressure away from the elbow between icing sessions. If the pain continues for several days, see a physician.

Tennis Elbow Exercises

There are several exercises that you can do to strengthen the elbow after an injury. Some options include the wrist flexion stretch, the wrist extension stretch, and a massage stick. The wrist flexion and wrist extension stretches involve gently stretching the muscles of the forearm so that they begin to work themselves back out.

The most important thing to remember is that avoiding tennis elbow in the first place is the best way to reduce the odds of needing rehabilitation or surgery. Working with professionals, stretching, and knowing when your body has had enough are key elements in keeping your elbows safe and sound.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.