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Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that results from tendons in your elbow being overused by constant wrist and arm movements. Contrary to popular belief, tennis players are not the only individuals who can develop Tennis Elbow. If you are concerned that you may have developed or are showing signs of Tennis Elbow, here are some of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this condition to help you understand what to look out for and what steps to take.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow is caused by repeated arm and hand movements that overuse and strain your forearm muscles. Constant stressing of the tissue in this area leads to small tears in your tendons, which are connected to the forearm muscles and the bony part outside of your elbow. Tennis Elbow is not only caused by playing tennis, but can result from the following activities as well:

• Painting
• Driving screws
• Operating plumbing tools
• Recurring computer mouse use
• Chopping foods like tough meat

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The pain related to Tennis Elbow can stem from the outside of your elbow and into your forearm and wrist, causing weakness and difficulty in daily movements. These injuries can affect grip strength in the following situations:

• Holding objects
• Turning doorknobs
• Shaking hands

Treatments for Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow usually heals on its own, but if over-the-counter pain medications and other self-care measures do not work, then your doctor may recommend physical therapy. Severe cases of Tennis Elbow may require surgery. The following list of non-surgical treatments should be considered before exploring more serious interventions.

• Rest and avoid activities that worsen your elbow pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.
• Use an ice pack on the elbow area for 15 minutes about three to four times a day.
• Make sure to use proper techniques in your activities to avoid repetitive wrist motions.

Relieve Tennis Elbow Pain With Our Advanced Orthopaedic Treatments

If you’re in need of treatment for a sports injury, schedule a meeting with one of the orthopaedic specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine. Our team of physicians are skilled at reducing and relieving Tennis Elbow pain with expert treatment plans and advanced surgical procedures. We also provide physical and occupational therapy services to assist people in regaining mobility and getting back to their daily routines without pain. For more information or to request an appointment online, call us today at 904-825-0540.

Albert Volk, MD 
Board certifications in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Dr. Volk specializes in an all-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of the shoulder.