Tennis Elbow Pain

The medical term for tennis elbow is "lateral epicondylitis." Tennis elbow is painful and can keep you off the court. Left untreated the damage to muscles and tendons around the forearm and elbow can worsen.

Identification

• Tennis elbow begins when the tendons that join the elbow joint to the forearm muscles become inflamed from overuse.

Time Frame

• Tennis elbow starts with a dull ache on the outside of the elbow. Within several weeks or months, the pain and tenderness increase. Just pressing on the elbow can hurt.

Effects

• Untreated tennis elbow can cause a strong burning sensation when the joint is moved. The pain may begin to radiate through the forearm down to the hand.

Significance

• Tennis elbow can also eventually cause your grip to weaken and make it painful to lift things with the affected arm.

Prevention/Solution

• Treatment can include rest, physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medication. Your doctor may also prescribe a special arm brace. Some severe cases of tennis elbow require surgery to repair tendon and muscle damage.

Misconceptions

• Tennis players are not the only people who get tennis elbow. Anyone whose work or play involves repetitive motion with the elbow can be affected, including painters, plumbers and carpenters.