You don't have to be a tennis player to get tennis elbow. It’s when the tendons in the elbow become swollen. This swelling occurs when you overuse the tendons while doing activities that require repeating the same motion over and over. Although not as common, a direct blow to the elbow can also raise your chance of getting tennis elbow. Your elbow is where your humerus, the large bone in your upper arm, meets the radius and ulna, the 2 bones in your lower arm, or forearm. On either side and slightly in front of the point of your elbow, there are 2 bumps called lateral epicondyles. The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis.
Tennis ElbowYou don't have to be a tennis player to get tennis elbow. It’s when the tendons in the elbow become swollen. This swelling occurs when you overuse the tendons while doing activities that require repeating the same motion over and over. Although not as common, a direct blow to the elbow can also raise your chance of getting tennis elbow. Your elbow is where your humerus, the large bone in your upper arm, meets the radius and ulna, the 2 bones in your lower arm, or forearm. On either side and slightly in front of the point of your elbow, there are 2 bumps called lateral epicondyles. The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis.The elbow joint is held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Muscles in your forearm run between your hand and fingers to your elbow. A group of these muscles are attached to your lateral, or outer epicondyle, by tendons. If you overuse and cause these tendons to swell, or damage your forearm muscles, you can get tennis elbow.Tennis elbow is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. But anyone can get this condition by overusing the elbow. People who work with their hands, like carpenters, plumbers, painters, butchers, musicians, manicurists, dentists, cooks, and autoworkers, are more likely to get it. So, too, are those who participate in recreational activities like tennis, racquetball, or fencing.SymptomsSome of the symptoms you might get with tennis elbow include: pain or burning in the outer part of your elbow or forearm, and decreased or weak grip strength. Your symptoms may get worse when you use your elbow. Diagnosis. If you have symptoms of tennis elbow, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. Your provider may recommend imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging, or M-R-I. An electromyography, or E-M-G, can help rule out nerve problems. Blood tests can show if you have an infection or arthritis.TreatmentResting and stretching your forearm muscles are the first steps in treating your tennis elbow. Ice can be helpful if you start it soon after you first notice elbow pain. Using an elbow band or wrist brace might also help.Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or other medicines as directed by your healthcare provider can help relieve pain and swelling.If your symptoms don't improve, your healthcare provider may inject your elbow with corticosteroids or other medicines that reduce inflammation and promote healing.If you continue to have symptoms, surgery might be an option. Surgery can be done arthroscopically, or during open surgery. During surgery, the surgeon takes out the diseased or damaged tissue and makes repairs. After surgery, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy.Gentle stretches and exercises will help strengthen your arm, improve movement, and lower your risk of getting tennis elbow again. Talk with your healthcare provider before getting back to your normal activities.Things to rememberYou don't have to be a tennis player to get tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can be caused by overuse and stress on the tendons in your elbow. You may be able to relieve your tennis elbow without surgery.What we have learnedTennis elbow is an overuse injury. True or false? The answer is true. It’s when the tendons in your elbow become swollen. This swelling usually occurs when you do activities that overuse the tendons by repeating the same motion over and over.Resting can delay healing in tennis elbow. True or false? The answer is false. Resting and stretching your forearm muscles are the first steps in treating your tennis elbow.
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
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