Sports Med Blog

What is Tennis Elbow?

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Published on Saturday, 29 August 2009 01:17

Written by Joanne Stapensea

JoAnn Stapensea has a Masters is Exercise Physiology and has worked specifically with tennis players.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most common—and most frustrating—injuries among racquet sport players including tennis players and others who actively use the muscles of the forearm.  It is characterized by pain and tenderness over the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle), that may also radiate down the forearm.

The symptoms of tennis elbow

Symptoms arise as a result of inflammation and micro-tears of the tendon connecting the extensor muscles of the wrist to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow). It is considered to be a form of tendonitis.

 

Tennis players aren’t alone in their battle with this challenge, however. It can be caused by any activity that involves repetitive use of the forearm muscles, even such simple activities as using hand tools, pulling weeds, painting or carrying a heavy briefcase.

Activities that are especially painful to tennis elbow sufferers include: Lifting or carrying objects, when the fingers and hand are bearing most of the load Squeezing actions such as shaking hands Rotation of the wrist, including wringing motions, twisting a door knob or using a screwdriver Extending or cocking the wrist

Among tennis players, the most common tennis elbow causes are:

• Poor backhand technique, especially with a one-handed backhand
• A racquet grip that is too small
• Strings that are too tight
• Playing with soft, wet or heavy balls

There are as many treatments for tennis elbow as there are causes, and many sufferers expend significant time and money before finding the best solution for them.

Home-based treatments include elbow braces or supports, forearm straps to compress the wrist extensors, shock-absorbing devices worn near the elbow, liniments and creams, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

Medical interventions include acupuncture, prescription medication, cortisone injections and physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the surrounding musculature. Surgery is rare, but may be required in serious cases.

Many cases of tennis elbow respond to simple therapies like rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication within a few weeks. Others, however, are more resistant to treatment, and become long-lasting chronic conditions.

In a separate blog post, sportmedinfo.net will show you how to use kinesiology tape and SpiderTech Kinesiology tape to relieve the pain of tennis elbow and help it heal.

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