Tennis elbow is a painful condition resulting from overuse of the forearm muscles, causing inflammation in the tendons that attach these muscles to the bony outer part of the elbow. Even though it is called “tennis elbow,” most people who get it (90-95%) are not tennis players. It can happen from any repetitive gripping or wrist movements, like typing, painting, or lifting.
Common symptoms:
· You may experience pain or a burning sensation on the outside of the elbow.
· Weak grip (e.g., trouble shaking hands or holding a coffee cup)
· Worse pain when using the wrist (e.g., turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver)
Who gets it?
· People who do repetitive arm motions (carpenters, cooks, office workers, etc.)
· Adults between 30-50 years old
Treatment & Recovery
· Rest & Activity Modification – Avoid aggravating movements.
· Ice & NSAIDs – Reduce inflammation (15-20 mins, 3x/day).
· Physical Therapy – Eccentric wrist extensions (proven effective).
· Bracing – Counterforce brace to offload tendon stress.
· Steroid Injections – Short-term relief (not long-term healing).
· Surgery (Rare) – Only if conservative treatments fail after 6+ months.
If the pain lasts for months, a doctor might suggest other options like injections or surgery (rarely needed).
FAQ Section:
· How long does it take to heal?
3-12 months with rehab.
· Is surgery necessary?
Rarely do 90% recover with conservative treatment.
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