Not Just for Those Who Play the Game
Most people who get tennis elbow don’t play tennis! In fact, less than 5% of all cases of tennis elbow occur in people who play tennis. Tennis elbow can happen to anyone who repeatedly uses their elbow, wrist, and hand for their job, sport, or hobby.
So…What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by overuse of the “extensor” muscles in your arm and forearm, particularly where the tendons attach to rounded projections of bone (epicondyles) on the outside or lateral aspect of the elbow. The muscles you use to grip, twist, and carry objects with your hand all attach to the “lateral epicondyle” at the elbow. That’s why a movement of the wrist or hand can actually cause pain in the elbow.
What Can Cause It?
Prolonged use of the wrist and hand, such as when using a computer or operating machinery, or a sustained grip such as while using a hammer or screwdriver, can be an underlying cause.
3 Quick Tips to Help the Pain
1. Avoid gripping until pain is gone.
2. Try a counterforce brace like this one:
3. Gently stretch the muscles like this:
4. Come in to PT for some help if the pain isn’t going away. We offer many techniques that can significantly help it heal faster and more effectively.
—Steve Buchanan, PT, DPT, OCS
