Condition
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is an injury caused by the repeated strain of gripping or twisting your wrist and arm.
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs after repetitive strain of your hand or wrist and causes pain or swelling in the tendons on the outside of your elbow. This can make it painful to use the affected arm.
Despite its name, it is not only caused by playing tennis but can be caused by any repetitive activity that puts strain on your wrist and arm.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- pain and tenderness - this is caused by the tendons in your forearm muscle becoming inflamed and is usually experienced on the outer side of your elbow
- pain on gripping small objects (for example, when writing),
- pain when lifting, bending or twisting the arm.
While painful, there are no long-term effects of tennis elbow.
How is tennis elbow treated?
Treatment includes rest and support, medication and physiotherapy to improve symptoms.
Surgery isn't commonly required, but tennis elbow release is an option if the condition persists.