Health
Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Jul
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its sports-related name, this condition affects far more than just tennis players – it’s a frequent complaint among:
Manual laborers (plumbers, painters, construction workers)
Office professionals (from prolonged computer use)
Athletes (golfers, baseball players, weightlifters)
Home cooks and gardeners
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) occurs when the tendons connecting forearm muscles to the outer elbow bone become inflamed due to:
✔ Repetitive arm motions (e.g., tennis, badminton, cricket)
✔ Manual labor (cooking, lifting heavy objects)
✔ Overuse injuries from daily activities
Fun Fact: Despite its name, only 5-10% of cases actually occur in tennis players!
Key Symptoms
🔴 Pain: Outer elbow tenderness (mild to severe)
🔄 Radiating discomfort: From elbow to forearm/wrist
✋ Weak grip: Difficulty shaking hands or holding objects
🧊 Swelling/redness (in acute cases)
Diagnosis:
Physical exam (no lab tests needed)
Imaging (X-ray/MRI) only to rule out other conditions
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Tennis Elbow FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
1. What exactly is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury causing inflammation of the tendons connecting forearm muscles to the outer elbow bone. It’s triggered by repetitive gripping/twisting motions.
2. Do I need to play tennis to get it?
No! Only 5-10% of cases occur in tennis players. It’s common in:
Manual laborers (plumbers, painters)
Office workers (from mouse/keyboard use)
Gardeners and cooks
3. How do I know if I have tennis elbow?
Look for these signs:
✅ Outer elbow pain when lifting/gripping
✅ Weakness when holding cups or tools
✅ Pain when shaking hands or turning doorknobs
4. How long does it take to heal?
Mild cases: 4-6 weeks with rest
Moderate cases: 3-6 months with therapy
Severe cases: Up to 1 year (may need surgery)
5. What’s the fastest way to relieve pain?
Immediate relief: Ice packs + NSAIDs (ibuprofen)
Long-term healing: Forearm stretches + brace
Medical options: Steroid injections or PRP therapy
Treatment Options
1️⃣ Rest & Ice:
Avoid aggravating activities
Apply ice packs 10-15 mins, 3-4x daily
2️⃣ Medications:
Pain relievers (NSAIDs)
Steroid injections (for severe cases)
3️⃣ Therapies:
Ultrasound therapy
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections
Specialized exercises
4️⃣ Surgery (Last Resort):
“Lateral Epicondyle Release” procedure
Risks: Nerve damage, incomplete recovery
Recovery Time: 6-12 months for most patients
Prevention Tip: Use ergonomic tools and take breaks during repetitive tasks!
(Source: Dr. Dilir Jamal, Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Alok Healthcare, Dhaka
