Tennis elbow is a painful condition occurring from muscle strain and repetitive motions that overload tendons in your elbow. It is also known as lateral epicondylitis and is a type of tendinitis.
The most common reason people consult doctors about elbow pain is tennis elbow.
The injury is not limited to tennis players. Tennis elbow can develop whenever someone engages in repeated motions and stress. Occupations at higher risk for tennis elbow include painters, carpenters, butchers, and other roles with repeated contraction of the forearm muscles used to straighten and raise the hand and wrist.
Tennis elbow is similar to another condition called golfer's elbow, which affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain radiating from the outside of the elbow into the forearm and wrist
- Weakness inhibiting the ability to grip an object
- Tenderness in the bony knob outside the elbow
Treatment Options
Tennis elbow can cause discomfort and treatment options such as physical therapy and injections such as cortisone and PRP (platelet rich plasma) can help. Seek treatment options if you feel you have symptoms matching the above described to maintain the health of your hand, wrist, and elbow.