TENNIS ELBOW

COMMON TERMS

tennis elbow

TECHNICAL TERMS

lateral epicondylitis, lateral epicondyle tendinopathy, lateral elbow tendinosis

WHAT IT IS

The overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, only about 5% of cases are actually caused by racquet sports; it is more frequently triggered by repetitive daily activities or manual labour.

SYMPTOMS

• Pain that radiates from the elbow down into the forearm and wrist.
• Difficulty performing simple tasks like turning a doorknob, holding a coffee cup, or shaking hands.
• Weakened grip strength.
• Stiffness in the elbow, particularly in the morning. 

CAUSE

Activities such as typing, using a screwdriver, painting, gardening, or even playing a musical instrument.

TREATMENT

• Rest and Activity Modification: Cease or reduce repetitive gripping, lifting, and twisting, which are the main causes of the condition.
• Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen gel), which are often preferred to tablets to reduce side effects.
• Cold/Hot Packs: Apply an ice pack (or frozen peas wrapped in a towel) for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily, to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Bracing/Supports: Use a forearm strap or brace to reduce stress on the tendons.
• Physical Therapy: Focus on exercises that strengthen the forearm muscles (specifically eccentrics) and stretches for the wrist and forearm.
• Medical consultation for,steroid injections, or,shockwave therapy, if pain persists.