Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Symptoms and Causes

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a prevalent condition that causes pain around the outer part of the elbow. This condition is often associated with repetitive stress and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone who engages in activities that involve repetitive arm movements, not just tennis players.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. This pain can extend into the forearm and wrist, making it difficult to perform simple tasks such as shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup. Other symptoms include:

• Pain during activities: Pain is often exacerbated by activities that involve gripping or lifting, especially with the arm extended.
• Weak grip strength: Individuals may notice a decrease in their ability to grip objects firmly.
• Stiffness: The elbow may feel stiff, particularly in the morning.
• Swelling and tenderness: The outer part of the elbow may be tender to touch and slightly swollen.

Causes

Tennis elbow is primarily caused by overuse and repetitive motions that strain the forearm muscles and tendons. These repetitive activities can lead to small tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle. Common causes include:

• Repetitive arm movements: Activities such as playing tennis, painting, typing, or using hand tools can contribute to the development of tennis elbow1 2 4.
• Improper technique: Using poor technique in sports or other activities can increase the strain on the tendons, leading to injury.
• Age: Tennis elbow is more common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, likely due to the cumulative effect of repetitive stress over time3 6.
• Occupational hazards: Jobs that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions, such as carpentry, plumbing, or butchery, can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow5 8.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow is a common condition that results from repetitive stress and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. It is characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which can significantly impact daily activities. Understanding the symptoms and causes of tennis elbow is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Various treatment options, including physiotherapy, acupuncture, and injections, have shown promise in alleviating symptoms and improving function in individuals with lateral epicondylitis1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.