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Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the outside of the elbow, caused by overuse and inflammation of the tendons that connect forearm muscles to the bone.
Sign and Symptoms
- Overuse and Repetitive Activities: The core cause is repetitive stress on the wrist and arm. While the name suggests a link to tennis (specifically the backhand stroke with poor technique), many other activities are more common culprits.
- Occupational Risks: Jobs that involve repetitive arm movements are a major factor. This includes professions like plumbing, painting, carpentry, butchery, and cooking. Extensive use of a computer mouse and keyboard can also be a cause.
- Sports: Besides tennis, other racquet sports like squash and racquetball can lead to this condition. Throwing sports (e.g., javelin) and activities like weightlifting can also be triggers.
- Hobbies: Activities such as gardening, knitting, or playing musical instruments like the violin can cause the necessary strain.
- Age: It is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Improper Technique or Equipment: Using incorrect form during sports or work activities, or using equipment that is the wrong size or weight (like a tennis racket), can put excessive stress on the elbow tendons.
- Weak Muscles: Having weak forearm or shoulder muscles can contribute to the development of tennis elbow as the tendons are forced to absorb more of the strain.
Why it Happens?
- Pain Location: The primary symptom is pain and tenderness on the outer bony part of the elbow. This pain can also radiate down the forearm and into the wrist.
- Type of Pain: The pain is often described as a burning sensation or an ache.
- Pain with Activity: The pain typically worsens with specific movements, such as:
- Shaking hands or gripping an object.
- Lifting something, even as light as a cup of coffee.
- Turning a doorknob or opening a jar.
- Straightening or fully extending the wrist.
- Weakened Grip: You might experience a noticeable weakness in your grip strength.
- Stiffness: The elbow joint may feel stiff, particularly in the morning.
- Night Pain: For some, the pain can be persistent enough to interfere with sleep.