It is a type of tendinitis (swelling of the tendon) and is also called lateral epicondylitis.
It causes pain outside elbow and sometimes in the forearm and wrist too.
Causes:
- Excessive use of muscles of the back of forearm
- Overexertion
- Trauma such as direct blows to the epicondyle
- Sports like racquet sports such as squash or tennis
- Cutting up and Cooking
- Painting, carpentry, playing musical instruments, etc. increases the pain
- Repetitive use of computer mouse
Risk Factors:
- Tennis elbow is common in adults aged between of 30 to 50.
- Playing racket sports increases risk of tennis elbow.
- Occupation where repetitive movement of wrist elbow and arm is done develop tennis elbow risk like dentist etc.
Symptoms:
Pain or feeling weakness on holding a coffee mug, turning a doorknob, shaking hands or griping an object. Pain on straightening of wrist.
Treatment:
- Treatment includes rest, pain relievers and physiotherapy.
- Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling.
- Using an elbow strap to protect the injured tendon from further strain.
- Taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to help with pain and swelling.
- Performing range of motion exercises to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility.