Tennis elbow is a condition in which tendon damage causes pain or soreness around the outside part of the elbow known as the lateral epicondyle. Symptoms are especially noticeable when the palm is turned up.
The muscles of the forearm, wrist, and hand attach at the elbow to the upper arm bone (humerus). Damage to the tendons around these muscles make it painful to rotate the forearm and flex the wrist and fingers backwards.
Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse from repeated hand and wrist movements. These movements are sometimes a part of everyday activities, such as using a screwdriver. Overuse can also result from playing sports, such as tennis or golf. Less often, tennis elbow is caused by a direct blow to the tendons.
Treatment for tennis elbow includes:
- Resting the arm to allow the tendon to heal
- Reducing pain and inflammation, such as by icing the area and taking ibuprofen.
- Strengthening and stretching the muscles to help recovery and prevent further injury.
A person may need to change or stop activities that make the condition worse. Surgery is rarely needed.
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
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