Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis is a condition characterized by elbow pain that occurs when your forearm muscles are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Tennis elbow is similar to golfer’s elbow, which occurs on the inside of the elbow. The pain of tennis elbow typically occurs where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Pain can also radiate into your forearm and wrist.
The Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, and sometimes extending along the outer forearm
- Elbow stiffness and pain especially when gripping an object
- Wrist and hand weakness
- Worsening pain with certain movements, such as opening hand and extending fingers
The Most Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
- Repeated motions and contraction of the forearm muscles that you use to straighten and raise your hand and wrist
- Playing tennis, particularly repeated use of the backhand stroke with poor technique
- Using plumbing tools
- Painting
- Driving screws
- Repetitive computer mouse use
Risk Factors For Developing Tennis Elbow
- Most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50
- Occupations involving repetitive motions of the wrist and arm
- Certain racket ports especially if you employ poor stroke technique
