Tennis Elbow – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Tennis elbow causes pain in the muscles and tendons connected to the elbow, mainly where the forearm tissues attach to the outer bony bump of the elbow. This condition often develops from repetitive wrist and arm movements.
Despite its name, most sufferers don’t play tennis. People in certain occupations face higher risk, including:
- Plumbers
- Painters
- Carpenters
- Butchers
Many cases occur without any obvious cause. When the condition develops, pain typically radiates from the elbow into the forearm and wrist.
Treatment options usually begin with conservative approaches. Most people find relief through:
- Rest – Giving the affected arm time to heal.
- Pain medications – To reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen and restore function.
For individuals who don’t respond to treatment or have symptoms that disrupt daily life, doctors may suggest injections or surgery.
Signs and Problems
Tennis elbow pain often spreads from the outer elbow down to your forearm and wrist. This pain and weakness can make everyday tasks difficult, such as:
- Gripping objects or shaking hands
- Turning doorknobs
- Holding cups or mugs
When Medical Help Is Needed
If rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief don’t help your elbow pain, contact your healthcare provider. Early treatment can prevent the condition from getting worse and help you recover faster.
Causes
Tennis elbow often develops from overuse and strain of forearm muscles, though experts don’t fully understand the exact mechanism.
When you repeatedly tense the muscles used to lift and straighten your hand and wrist, the tendon fibers connecting these muscles to the elbow can break down.
Several everyday activities might trigger tennis elbow symptoms:
- Racket sports with poor backhand technique.
- Home repairs using plumbing tools.
- Home improvement tasks like painting.
- Construction work involving screwdrivers.
- Food preparation, especially cutting meat.
- Computer use with extensive mouse operations.
The condition can occasionally stem from injuries or disorders affecting connective tissues throughout the body. In many cases, no clear cause can be identified.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chances of getting tennis elbow:
Age Range
- Most common in adults aged 30–60
- Can affect people of all ages
Job-Related Risks
People who repeatedly move their wrists and arms at work face a higher risk, including:
- Plumbers
- Painters
- Carpenters
- Butchers
- Cooks
Sports Activities
Racket sports players have increased risk, especially when:
- Using poor technique
- Playing with inadequate equipment
- Playing more than two hours daily
Other Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Certain medications
This condition is named after tennis, but anyone who frequently uses their forearm muscles can also develop it.
Many daily jobs require the same kind of movements that can lead to tennis elbow. Tasks like using screwdrivers, painting, cutting ingredients, or any gripping and twisting actions can strain your forearm muscles.
