Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is the most common elbow injury. Tennis elbow is inflammation where the tendon inserts into the bony knob on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by repeated stress to the muscles in the forearm. Tennis players are not the only ones at risk.

Any activity that calls for forceful, repeated contractions of the arm muscles can bring on tennis elbow. Examples are:

• playing racquet sports or darts

• working with carpentry tools

• gardening

• typing at computer keyboards

• gripping a heavy briefcase

• golfing and

• bowling

About half of all daily tennis players, and 25 percent of those who play tennis once or twice a week, get the condition. It is more common in people over 40 because their bodies heal more slowly after minor injuries.

The symptoms begin gradually. You feel pain directly over the outer elbow knob, and it increases when you rotate your wrist. Turning a doorknob and shaking hands are tasks that can become quite painful.

A major factor that leads to tennis elbow is poor conditioning. Your equipment and playing surfaces can also contribute.

When you feel symptoms of tennis elbow, start treating the elbow with ice. This promotes healing. Stop all the activities that cause the problem until the pain goes away. Take ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve inflammation and pain. Have a medical exam to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other problems. For rehabilitation and prevention, develop strength and flexibility in your shoulder, arm, and back muscles. Tennis elbow may require two weeks to two years to heal.

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