What is it?
Tennis elbow is a painful condition occurring on the outside of the elbow around the bony structures.
The muscles that extend the wrist backwards attach onto the arm bones at this point.
With overuse of their tendons, muscle-tendon junctions or muscle bellies they can become inflamed.
What do I look for?
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow. Usually gradual in its onset
- Pain with repetitive actions such as washing the dishes, cleaning a surface, lifting, turning or of course tennis
- Usually on your dominant arm
- Pain may subside after a day or two, but increase again after the aggravating activity
- Pain may be constant and interrupt sleep
What causes it?
- Repetitive hand and elbow movements
- Weakness and inflexibility in the muscles of the forearm.
When do you see someone for help?
Your Lifecare practitioner will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate management plan. Often this problem can require a sports medicine doctor and physiotherapist to assist.
For more information see your local Lifecare practitioner. Click here to find your closest Lifecare clinic
