Common reasons for your tennis elbow pain

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterised by pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow. It’s not limited to tennis players, it can develop from any repetitive motion or strain on the forearm muscles.

The tendons affected attach to a bony point on the outer elbow called the lateral epicondyle, mainly involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). These muscles are responsible for extending your wrist and helping stabilise the elbow joint.

How does it happen?

Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse, repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons. Over time, this can lead to small tears and irritation in the tissue.

Some common causes include:

1. Repetitive wrist extension
   Repeated wrist movements such as racquet sports, weightlifting, typing, or even knitting can strain the forearm tendons.
2. Overloading the tendons
   When the tendons are pushed beyond their limits — for example, using improper technique, skipping warm-ups, or suddenly increasing activity (like starting a new DIY or garden project), the tissue can break down faster than it heals.
3. Vibration and impact
   Using power tools or engaging in activities with heavy vibration or impact, such as tennis or manual labour, can further increase stress on the elbow joint and muscles.

These repetitive or forceful movements can cause microscopic tears, leading to inflammation and pain. When the area is irritated, even simple tasks like gripping can become painful.

The role of the wrist and shoulder

While tennis elbow mainly affects the elbow, both the wrist and shoulder play key roles in how the condition develops and heals.

Wrist involvement

Tennis elbow often worsens with wrist movements, especially extension. Weakness, stiffness, or improper wrist mechanics can change how the load is distributed, placing extra stress on the tendons near the elbow.

Shoulder involvement

The shoulder indirectly influences tennis elbow. Poor shoulder stability can cause compensations at the elbow, leading to additional strain on the forearm tendons. Weakness in the rotator cuff or poor shoulder control can alter movement patterns during activities such as throwing or serving, further aggravating the condition.

How to manage tennis elbow

Managing tennis elbow involves a combination of rest, rehabilitation, and sometimes medical treatment. The aim is to reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence.

1. Rest and activity modification

The first step is to ease or modify activities that make the pain worse — for example, repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension. Allowing the tendons time to rest gives them a chance to heal.

2. Physical therapy

Physical therapy plays a vital role in recovery. A physiotherapist or allied health professional may focus on:

• Stretching the forearm muscles to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
• Strengthening the wrist extensors, forearm flexors, and rotator cuff to restore proper movement patterns.
• Eccentric exercises, where muscles lengthen under tension, shown to be especially effective for tendinopathies.
• Addressing contributing factors, such as shoulder and wrist mechanics, to prevent recurrence.

3. Bracing or strapping

An elbow strap, also called a counterforce brace, can help reduce strain by redistributing the load away from the injured tendon. This may provide short-term relief, but it won’t heal the tendon or address the underlying cause.

4. Medical interventions

For persistent or severe cases, other treatments may be considered:

• Corticosteroid injections can offer short-term pain relief, but they don’t promote healing and may increase the risk of tendon weakening.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses a patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing. While promising, results can vary, and more research is ongoing.
• Surgery is a last resort for chronic cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

If you’re exploring these options, the MD Health team can connect you with a sports doctor or allied health professional for further guidance.

Tennis elbow is a common but manageable condition. With the right combination of rest, rehabilitation, and professional guidance, most people make a full recovery and return to the activities they love, pain-free.

Do you have any questions?

Call us on (03) 9857 0644 or (07) 3505 1494 (Paddington)

Email us at admin@mdhealth.com.au

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