A Bit About: Tennis Elbow
In this installment of our A Bit About series, we’ll take a look at Tennis Elbow.
Spoiler: it’s not just for tennis players!
Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this is pain is primarily located where the tendons of your forearm extensors (the muscles that bring your wrist up and back) attach to the bony bump (the lateral epicondyle) on the outside of your elbow. This is generally an overuse injury that can lead to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing of the tendons.
Read on to learn more.
What causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow is primarily an over-use injury, with a few contributing factors:
Age - while it may affect people of all ages, it’s most common in adults between the ages of 30-50
Occupation - people who have jobs that involve repetitive motions of the wrist and arm (yes, even computer users!)
Sports - especially racquet sports perhaps from gripping too tightly or using poor technique
What are the symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
Pain and weakness are primary indicators of tennis elbow.
Pain may radiate from the outside of your elbow down into your forearm or wrist
Pain may be present shaking hands or turning a doorknob.
Numbness or tingling into the arm or fingers may be a sign of nerve involvement or injury from another area
The big question: What do I do?
If these symptoms sound familiar, you should be evaluated by a professional to determine the best course of treatment. Left untreated, Tennis Elbow can become difficult to manage as a chronic condition, or even lead to more acute injury.
Don’t let Tennis Elbow take you out of the game.
Call us for an evaluation and treatment options.
