Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common sports injury that causes inflammation and pain. Despite the condition’s name, playing tennis is not the only cause of tennis elbow.

Treatment options for tennis elbow vary depending upon the severity of the condition. Your orthopedic doctor can evaluate your needs and suggest the best treatment to address your symptoms and promote recovery.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons connecting the elbow to the muscles of your forearm are damaged. Any type of regular activity that utilizes the forearms, whether for leisure or work, can increase your risk of developing tennis elbow. Professionals that tend to develop tennis elbow include carpenters, painters, and plumbers.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow develop as the tendons in the forearm become overused, which leads to inflammation. This often causes pain or a burning sensation on the outer portion of the elbow, which is where these tendons are connected. Tennis elbow can also cause your grip to weaken. Pain often begins as only a mild sensation that increases over the following weeks or months.

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Your orthopedic doctor will evaluate your injury before suggesting the most appropriate treatment. Nonsurgical treatments for tennis elbow include resting the affected arm, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and bracing the arm to support the tendons and muscles. If you are an athlete, you should check to ensure the sports equipment you are using is appropriate for your needs and abilities. Physical therapy can help to rebuild stability, strength, and flexibility of the tendons and muscles in the arm. Surgical treatment for tennis elbow is only required if your symptoms do not improve after six to twelve months of nonsurgical treatment.

Blackstone Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers sports medicine, physical therapy, and minimally-invasive surgery in Providence and the surrounding areas. We invite you to contact us by calling (800) 725-3037 to discuss your needs with one of our knowledgeable orthopedic surgeons.