Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis.
Understanding Tennis Elbow: What It Is and How to Manage It
If you're noticing pain around the outside of your elbow, especially with gripping or lifting, you might be dealing with a common condition known as tennis elbow. Despite the name, you don’t need to play tennis to experience it!
In this post, we’ll break down what tennis elbow is, why it happens, and how it can be managed. What Is a Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons that attach to the outside of your elbow become irritated or overloaded. This can lead to pain, tenderness, and weakness, particularly during movements that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive forearm use.
It often develops gradually and can affect everyday activities like:
● Lifting a kettle
● Turning a door handle
● Typing or using a mouse
● Carrying groceries
What Causes It?
Tennis elbow is generally caused by repetitive overuse of the wrist and forearm muscles. Over time, this can lead to changes with the tendon’ within the tendon tissue.
Common contributing factors include:
● Repetitive activities (manual work, computer use, sports)
● Poor technique in activities like tennis, golf, or gym exercises
● Sudden increase in load or activity level
● Age (typically affects people between 35-55 years old)
Interestingly, many people who develop tennis elbow have never played tennis! Only 5% of individuals relate it to tennis.
Signs You Might Have Tennis Elbow
● Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
● Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting
● Tenderness when pressing on the outer elbow bone
● Weakness with wrist extension or grip strength
● Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve with rest
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is that tennis elbow often responds well to conservative treatment, though it may take some time.
Education and Load Management
Understanding what aggravates your elbow and modifying your activities is key in the early stages. This may involve:
● Reducing repetitive wrist/forearm tasks
● Avoiding heavy gripping or lifting
● Ergonomic adjustments at work or during sports
Exercise Therapy
Progressive strengthening exercises help rebuild tendon capacity and prevent recurrence.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques may help improve mobility and reduce associated muscle tension and may include dry-needling and cupping therapies.
Other Interventions
● Bracing or taping for temporary support
● Anti-inflammatory medications (short-term) may be beneficial for some people
● In persistent cases: shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, or surgical options may be considered.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow can be frustrating, but with a combination of education, activity modification, and targeted rehabilitation, most people make a full recovery.
Struggling with elbow pain?
We’re here to help guide you through your rehab journey and get you back to doing what you love.