TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow is a very common overuse injury of the elbow. It is an inflammation of the tendon where it connects to the bone on the outside of the elbow.

Tennis elbow is caused by repeatedly gripping an object and twisting. It is called tennis elbow, because tennis players often have this problem. There are many other activities that may cause tennis elbow including any racquet sports, driving in screws, and knitting.

The symptoms may start slowly with a dull ache or burning on the outside of the elbow. The pain is worse with a gripping and twisting motion. Turning a doorknob and shaking hands can be very painful. Sometimes there may be pain even when not using the elbow. Occasionally, the pain may start with sudden burning twinges.

When the pain of tennis elbow starts, the activity that causes the pain should be stopped. Cloth-covered ice packs may be put on the elbow for no more than 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should be avoided by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

If it is necessary to keep doing the activity that caused the tennis elbow, the healthcare provider may suggest a special band to be worn on the forearm. This band, worn when doing the activity, may help if the pain is not severe. If the treatment is not working, an injection into the elbow may help. Surgery may be needed if the pain has gone on for a long time. Surgery is not needed very often.

To help with healing of the elbow, the provider may suggest exercises. The exercises are to help keep the elbow mobile. They are begun very slowly. After the elbow is moving without pain, more exercises may be added to strengthen the elbow and muscles. It may be necessary to see a physical therapist or an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist may have specific exercises for work related tennis elbow. The therapist can also make suggestions for changes at the job site that can help prevent tennis elbow.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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