Tennis Elbow

General Information on Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is damage to the tendons that bend the wrist away from the palm. Tennis elbow causes pain in the elbow and the outer, back side of the forearm. Tennis elbow is likely the result of playing with a racket that is too short, hitting the ball off center, hitting the ball incorrectly or having weak shoulder and wrist muscles. Lateral epicondylitis can happen while playing other sports, but is most commonly known to be an injury related to the sport tennis.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Pain that radiates from the outside of the elbow to the inside of the forearm and wrist

Pain when extending the wrist

Weakness in the forearm

Treatments For Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow can usually be treated at home. Applying an ice pack to the injury and taking a nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen will help to control pain and inflammation . Avoid any strenuous exercises that involve use of the wrist extender muscles. Once the injury begins to heal, flexibility and strengthening exercises can be started, focusing on all of the muscles that bend and straighten at the wrist.

Personal Experience

Tennis Elbow - personal experiences