Tennis Elbow: So Much More Than Tennis

Tennis elbow is a common overuse condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. Although the name makes it sound like a problem reserved for tennis players, most cases are not caused by tennis at all. In fact, tennis elbow is often related to work tasks, home projects, sports, hobbies, and other activities that place repeated strain on the muscles and tendons of the forearm.

This condition may be associated with activities such as:

• Using a screwdriver
• Frequent or forceful handshaking
• Increased use of garden shears
• Painting
• Repetitive lifting
• Bricklaying
• Hammering
• Typing
• Golf
• Swimming
• Pitching
• Tennis
• Other racquet sports
• Similar repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements

The technical name for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylalgia, which means pain near the bony area on the outside of the elbow. In the past, this condition was commonly called lateral epicondylitis. However, that term is not entirely accurate. The ending “-itis” refers to inflammation, and current understanding suggests that tennis elbow is usually not a simple inflammatory problem.

Instead, tennis elbow is better understood as a condition in which the tendons and surrounding tissues are being stressed faster than the body can repair and rebuild them. In other words, the demands of the activity have exceeded the body’s ability to keep up.

This distinction is important because it can affect treatment. Tennis elbow is not always something that can be solved by simply taking anti-inflammatory medication. While medication may temporarily reduce discomfort for some people, masking the pain can lead to further irritation if the underlying problem is not addressed. Pain is often the body’s warning sign that the tendons in the area are struggling and need proper care.

Treatment should be individualized based on the person, the activity involved, the severity of symptoms, and the goals for returning to work, sports, or daily life. A safe and effective plan may focus on improving strength, flexibility, conditioning, and movement habits so the involved tissues can better handle the demands placed on them.

Treatment may include:

• Stretching, strengthening, and conditioning of the upper extremities
• Splinting or strapping
• Pain relief and muscle spasm reduction modalities
• Manual therapy
• Guidance regarding equipment modification
• Recommendations for improving athletics, work, or daily activity technique

With the right approach, many people with tennis elbow can reduce pain, improve function, and return more comfortably to the activities they need and enjoy.